This is a printer-friendly version of an article from Zip06.com.

Tree Removal Costs to Double in Deep River

Due to insect infestation and drought, there is a high number of dead and dying trees that for safety reasons need to be removed in Deep River. According to First Selectman Angus McDonald, tree removal costs this year might be in the range of $40,000, about double what they have been in the past.

“We always include money in our budget for tree removal, but this year it looks as though we will be using that money and then some, because of the large number of trees that need to come down,” said McDonald.

“At this time, we don’t have a concrete number as to exactly how many trees need to come down, but we are in the middle of assessing the situation and taking down the ones that pose the biggest safety threat first,” said McDonald, who explained that during most years, approximately $20,000 is budgeted for tree removal, but the cost this year will reach closer to $40,000.

McDonald said he has reviewed the situation with the tree warden, and that the Council of Governments is reviewing how large number of dead tress might be handled on a regional basis, the dead and dying trees in Deep River are dangerous and unlikely to stay standing through the winter season and so need to be removed as soon as possible.

According to McDonald, arrangements have already been made to remove the most dangerous trees first.

“We are doing the best we can, but most other towns in our region are also dealing with the same problem, so everyone in the tree removal business is out working, so it’s been a little difficult scheduling the removal of trees,” said McDonald.

The dead and dying ash and oak trees are the result of two consecutive years of drought, the emerald ash borer beetle infestation, and a gypsy moth infestation.

“Usually the trees can combat the insects, but the gypsy moths and the drought together was just too much for many of the trees here,” said McDonald, who explained that the Winthrop area of town has been the hardest hit.

Back in the ‘80s, the state saw a phenomenal gypsy moth caterpillar infestation that killed a large number of Connecticut’s large, old, hardwood trees. The outbreak this time around has not been as devastating, but it has still taken its toll. The caterpillars feast on the tree’s newly opened spring foliage and strip it of its leaves by summertime, leaving it naked and exposed. Repeated defoliation like this eventually kills the tree, making it prone to coming down during heavy snow storms, especially if hefty winds are part of the mix.

In addition, the infestation of the emerald ash borer beetle in the state’s ash trees has been significant. It is the larvae of this beetle, which is native to Asia, that wreaks havoc, killing the infected tree within two to three years of infestation.

The unexpected expenditure may impact the town’s highway spending, McDonald said.

“We will have to pay very close attention to road paving and other projects, this year, to help make up the difference,” said McDonald.