Frequently Asked Jamestown Tree Questions
QUESTION: Why are trees important?
ANSWER: All trees, including street trees, provide numerous benefits to both humans and the environment. Street trees are one of the few public infrastructure improvements that actually increase in value and have the same effect on the neighboring properties. Trees help to prevent storm water runoff and erosion. They provide habitats for wildlife and countless other creatures. When selected and planted in correct locations they aid in reducing heating and cooling costs. In parking lots and along town streets they help alleviate the heat effects of concrete and asphalt. Trees filter pollutants from the air we breath. They enhance the image of Jamestown and help raise property values. Lastly, many tree species retain quantities of carbon, one of the top green house gasses attributed to increased ozone levels and global warming. The Environmental Protection Agency is now researching the effect that street trees have on the reduction of green house gasses. In time, they will mandate federal funding based on a communities percent canopy coverage. A recent green house gas initiative reported that Rhode Island could reduce carbon dioxide emissions by 3000 metric tons if it planted 200,000 trees in the next ten years. In short, we all need healthy trees. For these and other reasons, the Town of Jamestown is committed to maintaining and expanding where possible our current percent canopy coverage. That means for every tree we have to take down at least one new one needs to be planted.
QUESTION: How do I request the Town plant a tree planted in front of my home or business?
ANSWER: You can find an application on this web site. Complete it and the Tree Warden will contact you. The majority of our tree planting is done in the early fall with federal grant funds. The homeowner must select a street tree from the Town's street tree list and agree to care for the tree. The Tree Committee will purchase the tree and the Department of Public Works will plant the tree. Unfortunately, due to site requirements, not every property will allow for a street tree. Homeowners. with an approved Permit, may plant an approved tree within the Town's right-of-way at their expense. The Permit must be approved by the Tree Warden and the tree species must be approved prior to installation.
QUESTION: What if I want a tree that is not on the Town's list?
ANSWER: Street trees should eventually provide a green canopy, shading the street and sidewalks in summer. Trees on the Town's approved list have been selected from species that have done well on the island, are long-lived and disease and pest free. Any tree that is considered "invasive" is not included on this list. A number of "problem" trees that should not be planted are included on the list. In the developed areas of the island (village and shores area) we encourage the planting of a wide variety of native and non-native (exotic) species. Outside these areas, in order to help to preserve the rural character of the island, we limit selection to native species. Even with this restrictions, there are wonderful street trees that will provide a growing resource for islanders for years to come.
QUESTION: What if I don't like or want the tree in front of my home or business?
ANSWER: Although the tree is in front of one home, as a public tree it belongs to all residents. The Town of Jamestown spends thousands of dollars each year planting and maintaining street trees. They are an important part of the environment we live in and contribute to the character of the island. Except in unusual situations, the Town will only remove or permit the removal of healthy street trees that are dead or diseased and may create a hazard.
QUESTION: A street tree is obstructing my view, will you remove it?
ANSWER: In most cases the answer is no. Obviously, if the tree is on someone else's right-of-way the Town will not become involved. If the tree is on your right-of-way we will evaluate the tree and may suggest professional trimming to open the tree and improve the view. If this solution is agreeable, we will have the work done for the property owner. However, street trees are the property of the Town and a resource for all residents. To improve the view is really not an acceptable reason to remove a healthy tree.
QUESTION: What if I want to trim or remove a tree on the right-of-way myself?
ANSWER: You may have street trees on your right-of-way cared for at your own expense. If you plan to trim such trees you DO need a permit which you will find on this web site. Under Rhode Island Law tree trimming and removal must be performed by a Rhode Island Licensed Arborist. You need to check to make sure the person you select has a current Arborist license and insurance prior to doing any tree work.
QUESTION: What if I see someone cutting or damaging a street tree?
ANSWER: Damage to a street tree on rights-of-ways is considered damage to town owned property. Immediately contact the Jamestown Police Department. The Police Department will notify the Tree Warden for further investigation and possible legal action. The total cost of replacing, by caliper size, a damaged street tree can be computed, even when a tree has been removed. Depending on the type and size of tree, the replacement cost can run thousands of dollars.
QUESTION: My private tree fell into the street why didn't the DPW clean it up?
ANSWER: A fallen tree is the responsibility of the property owner. In the case of a street tree on the right-of-way (within 10 feet of the street) the Town is the owner and will respond. When a private tree falls into the Town's right-of-way, the Town is only responsible for removing debris in the street that creates a public safety hazard.
QUESTION: A street tree was removed from in front of my house and I was told you won't replant, why?
ANSWER: In most cases the simple answer is the removed tree didn't belong there in the first place. The Town Tree Warden will examine site conditions, utility locations, right-of-way dimensions, distance from sidewalks and many other factors in determining proper tree placement. One new option is the recently passed Rhode Island General Law that allows the use of municipal dollars to plant beyond the public right-of-way by up to twenty feet. This actually allows the use of larger trees as interference with utility wires and sidewalks is reduced.
