By C. Wayne Cutting
Kennebunk tree warden

The Kennebunk Tree Committee has been working diligently to ensure money allocated for tree planting is spent wisely. When plans were first formulated for the revitalization of the downtown, we were asked to evaluate existing trees within the project area.
After a thorough review we recommended most of the trees be replaced. Within the phase of the plan being constructed this year there is only one town owned tree to be saved. There are also three smaller trees that were replacements for the originals that are suitable for transplanting to other areas of town.
I realize as you drive down Main Street the existing trees do not appear to be in bad shape. However, with a closer examination the serious defects in these trees become evident. Without exception, every tree has varying degrees of trunk wounding. These have been the result of being hit repeatedly by everything from plows and shovels to bicycles.
These wounds allow disease and insects to attack the tree. They also inhibit the free flow of water and nutrients within the tree. While these may not kill the tree directly, they cause reduced vigor, further weakening the tree.
Additionally, most of the trees have moderate to severe structural deficiencies of the crown including poor crotches, trunk splits and dead or dying limbs. The roots of these trees have been almost completely covered by pavement for most of their life, certainly leading to a compromised root system.
These trees have had little or no opportunity to absorb water or nutrients over the years. To the best of my knowledge, they have never received any fertilization or care other than a cursory pruning. Lastly, half of these trees are a variety of Norway maple, which by arboricultural standards is a weed species and listed as an invasive species.
When construction begins there will be a considerable amount of excavation around these trees. The pavement and curbing will be ripped up and new light poles will be installed, inevitably causing more trauma to already suffering root systems.
In addition, due to new light pole locations, locations of some trees need to be changed. These trees were planted in 1977 and because of improper planting techniques, species selection and lack of consistent maintenance, they have become liabilities. Neither the committee members nor myself take the removal of any tree lightly.
Many times during my career I have convinced clients to save a tree when they initially wanted it removed. Trying to save and reuse these trees would be like building a new house and painting it with leftover paint.
The committee is reviewing the proposed plan and making revisions including elimination of some trees and plants as well as substituting species or varieties.
Along with selecting more suitable species, the new trees will be planted in pits with a cast iron grate to allow more open root zones. The committee is also working to facilitate the purchase of additional tree guards. These are cast iron “cages” that surround the trunk. The grates will also allow for natural rainfall and oxygen to reach the roots, as well as future fertilizations.
To further assist in funding, the committee will be applying for a Project Canopy grant as we did with the Mill Street planting in 2008.
I suggest that the most beautiful sidewalks are ugly without some trees to grace them. If you are my age or older you can remember the stark devastation that remained after the elms died and were removed. Streets changed to harsh strips of pavement almost overnight.
With proper species selection and planting procedures, along with faithful maintenance, these new trees will grace the downtown area for years to come. We do not intend to repeat the mistakes of the past.
We will mark trees scheduled for removal with orange flagging in the near future. The tree committee will have a walking tour March 6 to allow interested people to see first hand what will change. We will meet at the town hall parking lot.
We also invite anyone to attend our regular meetings on the first Thursday of the month in town hall at 5 p.m.