Longmeadow Tree Warden approves removal of 17-inch American larch at 74 Benedict Terrace

Longmeadow Tree Warden Leah Wallner on June 4, 2026 approved the removal of a 17-inch American larch at 74 Benedict Terrace, concluding that planned sewer-line excavation adjacent to the tree would likely cause damage leading to failure.

The decision came at a public hearing called to order by Wallner at 2:01 p.m.; attendees listed in the hearing record include Gerald Martin and Dave Marinelli as members of the public. The removal request was filed by the property resident to allow replacement of a damaged and backed-up sewer line adjacent to the tree.

Wallner said the proposed excavation would occur close enough to the base of the tree that it would cause subsequent damage ‘‘at a magnitude which would increase its risk of failure to an unacceptable level, and likely result in eventual mortality.’’ Because of that assessment, she approved the removal and required a 1:1 tree replacement as mitigation. The hearing record notes that no objections to the removal were heard or received at or before the meeting.

The hearing was adjourned at 2:15 p.m. The notice includes Department of Public Works contact information for the Town of Longmeadow for any follow-up related to the permit or replacement requirements.