Guilford Touts Newly-Planted Trees Along Route 77

GUILFORD, CT — The town of Guilford is touting the recent planting of 100 trees along Route 77, saying the beautification effort will transform a main entryway into the downtown area.

Guilford recently planted 100 trees along Route 77 between the Green and Interstate 95 using $64,491 in federal funds from the American Rescue Plan Act.

The new trees — including maples, oaks, "Winter King" Hawthorns, Seedless Sweetgum, Thornless Honeylocust, and others — were placed within the state right-of-way with the approval of the Connecticut Department of Transportation, which recently lifted restrictions on planting along state highways.

The planting project aims to enhance the appearance of a major entry point to town while providing environmental and economic benefits. Trees help reduce pollution, lower temperatures, calm traffic, and increase property values.

Notably, the town said, Church and Whitfield Streets will be lined with clusters of white flowers from 27 "Winter King" Hawthorns that will bloom in the spring.

"Coming from the interstate into the Green, drivers will see a dark green summer canopy turn a striking mix of purple and scarlet in the fall. And in the winter, the trees will show off the trademark red berries that give the 'Winter King' Hawthorn its name," the town said in an announcement.

Of the 100 new trees, 52 are large shade trees that will help cool the area and reduce energy use.

Eversource will handle trimming and maintenance, the town noted.

"We were delighted to finally have this unique opportunity to plant along 77 because it’s a major entry to town, but has been so open and barren," said Guilford Tree Advisory Board Chair Shavaun Towers.

Guilford said the Tree Advisory Board selected species based on location, taking into account nearby driveways, intersections, and overhead utility lines.

Traditionally, Guilford’s public tree planting has been funded by the Guilford Garden Club’s Greening of Guilford Program, supported by the Guilford Foundation and private donors, the town said.

That program typically adds 10 to 15 new trees each year, while Guilford and Eversource together remove hundreds deemed hazardous — 150 by the town and 203 by Eversource in 2023.

"Along with the many benefits trees bring, we hope they will make the town look even better and more inviting," Towers added.