I hope Tisbury residents will ask the selectmen to protect the Bradford pear trees on Clough Lane.
I hope Tisbury residents will ask the selectmen to protect the Bradford pear trees on Clough Lane. These were planned and planted by the Friends of Tisbury to improve our town in 1970. They have blossomed every spring, provided shade all summer long, and shared glorious colors with us in the fall.
Now someone building a house in back of the trees wants to cut two down. This should not be a valid reason to destroy the symmetry and beauty of this row of trees that have been part of our lives for nearly half a century. If you object to this damage, please let the selectmen know. You can call town hall and leave a message or go to a meeting or just drop a letter at the town hall.
Don’t wait to complain until it is too late. Speak up now on behalf of the Friends of Tisbury and for all of us who enjoy the beautiful avenue of trees.
Catherine Mayhew
Vineyard Haven
Comments
Of course no pear tree on
Islander TooOf course no pear tree on Clough Lane should be touched. That pear tree "allee" is a very special feature of Vineyard Haven.
By what right or under what law could any of them possible be cut down?
The allee affect would be ruined.
December 27, 2016
carol White 61 Pine St., Vineyard Haven Ma.December 27, 2016
Dear Neighbors:
I am writing in response to my neighbors who are objecting to my removing two Bradford Pear Trees on my property on Clough Lane in Vineyard Haven. As noted, I am building a small guest house on the property and these trees are in front of the new construction. Over the years, I have had major problems with these fragile and malodorous trees. One was destroyed during a hurricane. Large branches have broken off and fallen, fortunately only, into my yard. The Bradford Pear Tree is known for having a “weak woody” structure prone to breakage and when in bloom, emitting a terrible, “rotten fish” odor. Indeed, it is considered by many as an invasive species because it hybridizies with other Callery pear varities (NYTimes, 3/18/16; USA Today Network, 3/30/16) and produces a thorny offspring.
Since these trees were well away from the main house (on Pine St.) and outdoor congregate areas, these problems did not seem to pose either health or safety issues. However, this is no longer the case. I too admire the lovely white blossoms and the fall colors, but these unstable and smelly trees are too close to the house and the outdoor gathering spaces.
I hope to continue to enjoy the blossoms and the changing colors on the two remaining trees. However, according to several articles the trees become more fragile and prone to splitting and breakage as they age.
Cordially,
Carol White
61 Pine St.
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