Residents Rally To Save Tree On Rose Hill Road

A 300-hundred-year-old tree on Rose Hill has survived all sorts of hazardous conditions and threats throughout the decades and Rose Hill Road residents just saved it from what would have been its last.

“In deference to those who spoke out against cutting it down,” said Director of Public Works Steve Masalin, “we found ways to resurface the road and correct pavement heaving without doing anything to the tree or its roots.”

The tree, which is located in the vicinity of 94 Rose Hill Road, was recommended to be removed prior to the upcoming roadwork on the road.

“Heaving in the road is evident adjacent to a tree because of the progressive impact of root and trunk growth,” Masalin wrote in a letter to the Planning Commission.

But when residents on the scenic road heard that the tree, along with 11 others were recommended for removal, their fingers found a keyboard and nine people wrote to Masalin and the Planning Commission before a public hearing on the issue to object to the tree’s removal.

“I strongly object to the removal of the 12 posted trees on Rose Hill Road a town designated Scenic Road (Ordinance 29),” wrote Amy Willcox. “In particular, the removal of the approximately 300 year old Ash tree across from 94 Rose Hill Road would be an irreplaceable loss to the scenic nature and character of the road.”

Frederick Keith, Jr. wrote, “This particular tree is central to the character of the road, its history and its scenic designation.”

And, Jonathan Parker, an arborist from Old Lyme writing on behalf of three Rose Hill Road residents, wrote that the tree is healthy and that its age, which he estimated to be around 150- to 225-years old, should count for something.

“The tree has been a silent witness from the plant kingdom of such times as the Civil War, the industrial revolution, World War I and possibly was growing there on Rose Hill Road during the inauguration of every single U.S. president going back to George Washington.”

Aside from its age and character, the tree is fortunate live on a scenic road and that its neighbors hold it in high esteem. Masalin said the scenic road designation requires that majority of the residents, along with the Planning Commission, approve changes to the road such as removal of stonewalls or trees.

Reconstruction of the 1.37-mile road will begin in the first week of April and is estimated to cost $250,000, according to Masalin. The work may take up to seven working days to complete and he said there might be short periods of road closure but otherwise he expects that one lane will be open. 

The condition of Rose Hill Road is the worst rated in the Town of Ledyard, said Masalin. The road did receive nominal resurfacing in 1998.