"Big Dig" Adding Over 80 Trees to Village Streets

by Judy Silberstein

(May 8, 2003) New trees are already blooming, leafing, and laying down roots throughout the Village of Larchmont as part of an ambitious tree planting campaign nicknamed the "Big Dig." Parks and Trees Chairperson Jan Feinman appeared at the Village Board meeting on May 5 to announce the start of the Spring planting season and explain the unusually high-level of planting going on.

A combination of forces is behind the “Big Dig.” The Parks and Trees Commission has been working with their consultant Peter Woodcock to inspect every Village tree every year. As a result of inspections or storm damage, a number of trees have been removed. However, last year’s drought delayed replanting efforts and allowed the tree budget to remain unexpended. The budget has been further expanded by a $7500 grant obtained with the assistance of Larchmont’s Ralph Engel from the Morris and Florence Bender Foundation.

All this has led to more planting and larger trees. The trees are taller with broader trunks – 2.5 to 4.5 inches rather than the usual 2 to 2.5 norm. The Department of Public Works has been deployed around Larchmont's neighborhood to get the trees in the ground.

According to Feinman, attention has been paid to planting trees that will contribute to the maintenance of Larchmont’s leafy canopy. In addition, Woodcock has worked with homeowners to select trees from diverse species that are appropriate for their street. The species include: copper beech, river beech, pear, linden, pin oak, sweet gum, horse chestnut, willow and various maples.