American elm
American elm outside 7 Dyer Street. [2025, Dunlap]
It is a massive, imposing presence. [2025, Dunlap]
Updated on 19 February 2025 | For decades, the crowning point of Dyer Street was a towering American elm with a diameter at breast height of 49 inches.
In recent years, however, its ill health became all too evident, even though it had managed to avoid Dutch elm disease. The problem may have been begun with sewer work that damaged the root system, according to Kenneth MacPhee of Bartlett Tree Experts, which has been monitoring and managing the tree since 2009. The roots were also covered with asphalt and compacted soil.
The owners of 7 Dyer Street, directly under the elm, requested permission from the Town on 24 September 2025 to take it down, with MacPhee’s concurrence. “If the elm was to have partial or full failure,” he wrote, “it would impact utility lines, with the potential of striking five structures, two being guest houses. In my opinion, the safest option is to remove the tree entirely, given the fact that even with treatments and pruning it continues to decline.” A hearing was held on 5 November at Town Hall.
Even those who loved the elm acknowledged that its time had come. Warren Alexander, who lives at 7 Dyer, told Jim Vincent, the director of the Department of Public Works and the Town’s tree warden:
“For the past 15 years, I’ve done everything I could to preserve the beautiful tree that stands [at 7 Dyer Street]. It’s been part of my daily life and a part of the streetscape that I’ve always loved. I have worked with licensed arborists over the years and followed every recommendation, hoping we could keep the tree healthy and strong.
“Sadly, despite all those efforts, time has caught up with her. After reviewing the latest report from the same company that has cared for her for so long, I’ve had to face the heartbreaking reality that the tree can no longer be saved. The multiple cavities, decaying trunks, and her overall decline leave no real path to recovery. …
“My upstairs neighbor and I now live under a canopy that could fall at any time. With storms becoming more unpredictable, it’s impossible to ignore the danger — we are directly in the line of fire should any part of her come down.
“It pains me deeply to write this. I love trees and have spent much of my life gardening and trying to enhance the natural beauty of this neighborhood. I take no pleasure in losing one that’s been part of our shared landscape for so long. But in fairness to everyone’s safety — my own, my neighbors’, and the town’s — I feel it’s finally time to let go and allow the tree to be taken down before it becomes a tragedy.”
On 7 January 2026, Vincent formally requested approval from the Select Board to cut down the elm.