Montgomery Street Tree Removal

The work of replanting and restoring the Village’s urban forest has begun this week as Dave’s Tree Service removes dying and dangerous trees along Route 9 between Livingston St and Northern Dutchess Hospital. These trees are being removed to mitigate hazards and clear the way for new plantings.

The Village Board made the difficult decision to remove many of these aging Norway Maples after careful consideration. These trees have been badly damaged by climate change, human interference, as well as their age. The Tree Commission argued that it is time to let them go and begin the process of planting for the future.

A total of more than 30 new trees will be planted by Tree Commission volunteers on Oct. 29 and by professionals this November and Spring 2023.

The new trees will be variety  – some understory trees like cherry, crabapple, and hawthorn under the power lines and, away from the power lines, some top story trees like oaks, planes, catalpas, honey locusts and tulips. Multiple kinds of trees with varied growth patterns and life expectancies creates a diverse ecosystem for birds and other wildlife as well as creating a healthier urban forest.

This replanting process is part of the Village’s 11 year recognition by the National Arbor Foundation as a “Tree City USA.” Over the last 20 years, the Tree Commission has planted more than 400 trees. It is the Commission’s goal that will never again will the Village be in a difficult situation where more than twenty trees need to be removed all at once. These new plantings should last for many years, beautifying the Village and bringing joy to residents.