It’s (F)all about the trees in norfolk

By Matt Riiska

Our Public Works Department is finishing their summer work, and it has been a busy summer. We recently worked on Doolittle Drive repairing roadside drainage, removing old stumps that were left in place years ago and removing many dead ash and deteriorating pines and maples. As much as we all like the bucolic setting the trees create, trees get old and can pose a safety risk by falling into the roads or by making it difficult for rain and snow runoff to drain off the roads. The crew, along with outside contractors, have been trimming some of the trees in other parts of town as well.

As mentioned, trees get old or diseased and require work. At Town Hall we have a couple of maples that are suffering, as well as a large oak. With some skilled pruning by one of our outside contractors, we hope to get a couple of more years to enjoy them.

We all want instant gratification, but that is not how it works with trees. Working with our Conservation Commission, our Tree Warden and some of our local landscape and tree experts, we are planning to move forward with a planting plan for our roadsides, Village Green and Town Hall. We might not be around to enjoy them ourselves, but those who planted so many of the trees that still line our roads did so 150 years ago. As with everything, we cannot think about instant gratification today; we need to look to the future.

Another tree that has deteriorated is our Christmas tree on the green. In July, the lower branches started turning brown, and the tree rapidly deteriorated. Unfortunately, it had to be taken down. Not to worry, the spruce next to the old Christmas tree will take care of our tree requirement this year, as we plan to plant a new tree in the spring.

We all have our fall chores to do. The one thing I want to remind everyone is to please do not push your leaves into the roads. We do not pick up leaves. When/if it does rain again, the leaves will hinder drainage and could clog our storm water drainage systems.

Take care and enjoy the fall.

P.S. Walkers—stay safe! It will soon get dark even earlier. Walkers should be sure to wear reflective material and remember to walk along the side of the road, facing traffic. Drivers need to drive slower, but walkers need to be more aware as well. We don’t want anyone to get hurt.