Frost Memorial Fund to Enable Spring Tree Beautification Project on E. Market

A huge thank you goes out to the Frost Memorial Fund for a grant that will enable the Village Tree Commission to undertake a major beautification project this spring. The Tree Commission has been hard at work planning for the late April removal of 16 damaged and dying trees in the “right of way” along E. Market St and for their replacement with new trees.

Although cutting down mature trees can be a shock to residents, the decision was not made lightly. The trees that will be removed, including many Norway Maples which detract from the biodiversity of the Village, have been harshly cut by Central Hudson as they’ve grown into the wires overhead over the decades. They’ve been marked with blue bands around their trunks. These trees will be replaced by 20 new trees, picked for their appropriate height at full maturity, shade or flowering abilities, and for their biodiversity. The Tree Commission reached out to all property owners to notify them of the changes and discussed their preferences for which species would be planted in front of their homes.

Undertaking a project of this size is—plainly put—a big deal. Because E Market is a state road, the Village needs DOT approval. The Police and Highway Departments will be assisting in creating a safe work area and helping with traffic. The Village Board extends an enormous thanks to the Tree Commission for their hard work and dedication.

Members of the public who would like to volunteer to help with the planting portion of the project on April 30 are welcome to email trees@villageofrhinebeckny.gov.

Some details on what will be planted—new additions: Cornus mas “Saffron Sentinel”, Ohio Buckeye and Winter King Hawthorne. All flowering with good fall color and great for pollinators and birds.