Tree Warden Set on Removing Bradford Trees on Main Street

New Canaan Tree Warden Bruce Pauley announced earlier in the month that five Bradford pear trees on Main Street have got to go, but he says it’s all for the safety of the public.

“They have actually gone past their expected life expectancy,” said Pauley, “as far as being able to hold together. Bradfords of those age have been breaking apart all over town.

“Just a day before I posted the note for removal, a big section came down on a parked car and put a significant dent on the car. A piece just like that could come down on the sidewalk as people are walking by. They were the wrong trees to plant at the time,” said Pauley.

Pauley said that the businesses closest to the trees, such as , expressed their concern that the process of moving the trees would disrupt the flow of customers; however, Pauley explained that work will be done in the early hours of the morning and will be cleaned up before 10 a.m.

“We did hear about it,” said an employee at , “after that big branch fell down on the sidewalk. It’s too bad. They’re cracked, but you’d think they could save them.”

“They put them [notices of removal] up without notifying most of community,” said Assistant Manager Nicole at . “Most customers are concerned about the trees, they’ve been there for a while, and the first thing that comes to mind is what’s going to happen with all the Christmas lights?" 

Pauley said that he will be replacing the five Bradfords, but he has not decided with what yet and is open to suggestions from residents at the August 8 hearing. Residents can join Pauley at  at 1 p.m. next Wednesday to make their thoughts and concerns on the removal known.

“It is very unlikely that this won’t go through,” said Pauley, “as it’s based on safety. The public hearing allows residents to voice their opinions, but they would have to convince me that the trees do not pose a risk and I don’t see that happening.”

The trees are located between Elm Street and East Avenue on Main Street.