Two diseased linden trees are getting removed from Linden Park at 141 West Main Road. The damage came to light after one of the trees lost a major branch. #MiddletownRI
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CONTACT: Matt Sheley at (401) 842-6543 or msheley@middletownri.com
DISEASED LINDENS GETTING REMOVED
MIDDLETOWN, R.I. (JULY 5, 2022) – Two diseased linden trees are getting removed from Linden Park.
Recently, a large branch came down from one of the large trees lining the northern side of the driveway to the popular park at 141 West Main Road.
That led to a closer inspection of all the trees in the park and the discovery this week the linden closest to the western end of the parking lot was heavily diseased too.
“It’s been dry out and that’s when things like this start surfacing,” Town Administrator Shawn J. Brown said. “If you look closely, the amount of rot and disease makes it impossible to save these trees, which is a shame.”
Public Works Parks & Grounds Supervisor Michael Stahl said a tree expert was expected to visit the site and make recommendations about how best to move forward.
“I want to be clear here that this has absolutely nothing to do with any project or discussions about the property,” Brown said. “The only reason these trees are being removed is because they’re diseased and present a safety hazard to the people who come and use the park.”
The large branch that fell is clearly visible by passing cars on West Main Road. A closer look shows heavy rot in the center of the tree. Yellow caution tape and saw horses were placed around the branch, warning people away from the area.
Brown said the last time the Linden trees were closely tended was when the town removed the former Linden Elementary School from the property in early 2009. The remaining Lindens along the driveway were not showing obvious damage Friday.
“Each of the trees went through a thorough pruning and upkeep,” Brown said. “They looked really good back then, but Mother Nature is clearly making her mark.”
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