I want to give a shout out to our tree warden and the two previous tree wardens who attended the Planning Board hearing on April 22. I agree with the tree warden’s recommendation to preserve the significant scenic trees on Littleton County Road. I also agree with his recommendation to remove the ash and Norway maple trees. The ash is and will become more of a hazard. I find that the declining ash and damaged Norway maple do not enhance the beauty of this scenic roadway.
In the fall, the Norway maple has limited color value. My additional reason for wanting to remove the damaged Norway maple is that the invasive species is taking over Harvard’s native forest. This time of year you can easily tell the difference between the Norway and sugar maple. The Norway is the maple that spring brings back to life first—look into the forest. In summer, anyone can identify a Norway maple from its white sap that oozes out of a broken leaf stem. Sugar maple sap is clear. Without active forest management, the Norway maple will steal the sun from other native species and we will lose more native forest. I recommend removing any invasive species whenever we have the opportunity and are willing to take action.
Bill Calderwood for the Elm Commission
Woodchuck Hill Road
