Community Corner

Huge Tree at Sherman Green on Chopping Block

80-Footer Due to Come Down Because of Damage to Trunk and Roots

An enormous tree on Sherman Green is due to be taken down because of damage to its trunk and roots.

Town Tree Warden Ken Placko said Friday afternoon that the tree, which he estimated at 80 feet tall and from 80 to 100 years old, couldn't be saved because 50 percent of its root system was damaged and 50 percent of its trunk was damaged.

"It's not having the stability to hold itself up. With any wind in the right direction, it could just blow the thing right over," Placko said.

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That could prove catastrophic not only to anyone on Sherman Green or Reef and Post roads at the time but also to the Sherman Green Gazebo, a downtown landmark built in 1984.

Placko posted a public notice about the need to remove the giant sugar maple on Thursday, and he said Friday afternoon that he hadn't heard any objections. He said the tree was "not an immediate hazard, but I think it's a high-risk for failure" and hopes that residents understand why it needs to come down.

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Placko said he posted a notice about removing the tree last September and didn't hear any objections. But the work got delayed, and Placko said he planned to have the tree come down a short time after the time period for objections expires July 2. Because the tree is so big, Sherman Green would have to be closed to the public for at least three days while the tree is cut down, according to Placko.

The tree was probably one of the first trees around Sherman School, which was an elementary school on Sherman Green that was demolished around 50 years ago, Placko said.

The public has until July 2 to contest the removal of the tree, and their objections have to be in writing and include reasons why the tree should not come down and a phone number.

Residents can either e-mail Placko at kplacko@town.fairfield.ct.us or write to him at One Rod Highway, Fairfield, CT 06824.

If Placko receives any objections, he would contact people who filed objections to explain why the tree has to be taken down. If people still object, he would schedule a public hearing.

If no one objects, the sugar maple would be taken down over the next few weeks.


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