At a Jan. 14 public meeting on requests to remove public shade trees, local conservationist Don Morgan rose to speak and sounded a bit like one of Dr. Seuss’ most beloved characters, the Lorax, who famously declares, “I am the Lorax. I speak for the trees, for the trees have no tongues.”
“I think trees need an advocate, and I haven’t heard one,” Morgan told the Select Board.
Morgan said he has yet to encounter a tree that doesn’t provide value.
“I haven’t met a tree that isn’t a great tree. They’re all doing something for us. They’re pumping oxygen out there, and they’re taking the crap out of the air we’re putting in,” he said.
Morgan acknowledged there are often trade-offs when trees conflict with infrastructure — whether wires, roofs or root-filled yards.
“We’ve got air to take care of, too,” he said.
Under Marblehead bylaws, public shade trees cannot be removed unless they pose an immediate risk to the public or are diseased. Residents may request a public hearing to remove a tree, prompting the discussion at last week’s meeting.
The first request involved a public shade tree on Thomas Circle. Homeowners abutting the tree asked that it be removed, citing its unusual lean toward the street and roots that disrupt their front yard and driveway.
Ultimately, the Select Board ruled against the property owners, citing state and local bylaws protecting public shade trees.
The second case came from Building Commissioner Stephen Cummings, who requested permission to remove three pine trees near the Mary Alley Building on Widger Road. Construction is nearing completion on a new roof, and Cummings expressed concern the trees could damage the roof or nearby fiber-optic wiring.
The Select Board asked Cummings to work with Tree Manager John Fogel to explore whether a pruning schedule could mitigate the risk. The board plans to revisit the issue in February.
Editor Leigh Blander is an experienced TV, radio and print journalist.
