08-021 766 north king street treesDavid Cotton, President
Fax: 413 -584 -6869
Phone: 413 -584 -9104 Cotton Tree Service
INCORPORATED
"( oY #&tE CaZE of �l2al- 92EE1
November l6, 2004
248 Hatfield Street Northampton, MA 01060
Carolyn Misch
Senior Land Use Planner /Permits Manager
Northampton Office of Planning and Development
210 Main St. Room I 1
Northampton, MA 01060
Dear Ms. Misch:
I am writing in reference to the stand of four maple trees at 766 North King St. Upon the
request of Mr. Richard Jaeske who planted these trees. I recently evaluated the trees and
concluded the following: they are healthy trees thriving in their current location. I have
been told that the City has requested at least one of these trees be replaced by a larger
specimen. However, I strongly recommend that the current trees remain.
CttTent rUsearch indicates that, especially in confined spaces. small trees often establish
themsel %es Better than larger ones and, with time, equal or surpass the size of larger
specimens. The planting space at this location is particularly limited, with a sidewalk and
parking to Dn either side. The trees are doing well, so why plant larger trees and risk
them struggling and possibly failing?
I respect the City's efforts to hold property owners to the planting recommendations
established by the Planning Board. However, if the purpose is the promotion of healthy
trees in Northampton, I believe, in this instance, that this goal would be best served by
letting the current trees remain.
Please feel free to contact me with any questions.
Sincerely Yours,
L�4
Edward H. Cotton
MA Certified Arborist
Owner, Cotton Tree Service