Preston to cut down 100 roadside trees

Preston ― The Public Works Department has identified about 100 roadside trees that are dead or dying and will be cut down beginning July 29.

The trees are victims of insect and past gypsy moth caterpillar infestations.

Public Works Manager Jarred Harris reported to the Board of Selectmen last week that the trees’ condition poses a public safety hazard, and they should be removed soon. Harris cited damage caused by the invasive emerald ash borer and defoliation in recent years by gypsy moth caterpillars, now called spongy moth caterpillars, for weakening and killing the trees.

The Board of Selectmen voted to waive the town’s normal bid process to authorize Harris to hire state-approved contractor Tennett Tree Service of Windham at a rate of $1,750 per day to remove the trees.

Selectmen agreed to use $42,869 in its state Local Capital Improvements Program grant to cover the cost of removing the trees. Harris said the town typically budgets about $20,000 per year for tree removal. By using the LOCIP grant, it would save money in the capital budget and allow for more tree removal.

The Public Works Department has tagged the trees slated for removal. Harris said all the trees either are on town property or in town easements along roadways. He said he has received positive feedback from residents about the plan.

“We’re going to make our way through them,” he said.

c.bessette@theday.com