Apparently it's easier to just hack a tree down then prune it properly in order to save it.

In my experience, I have emailed Christy and her intern emails back with hearing info. It doesn't happen quickly, necessarily, as hearings are scheduled for objections as needed, and are grouped together. If UI is involved, Christy will also notify you of the UI Tree Informational, which happens separately, before the hearings for the removals.

To BJG: What happens at the hearings? Is the decision to remove a tree already a fait accompli? And the hearing yet another charade masquerading as democracy?

LOL As a fellow tree hugger, I acknowledge your frustration and anger. Some trees are sad and dying, and there is nothing anyone can do about them. For instance, I reported a tree on Goffe St that was literally showing its insides. I cannot imagine anyone objecting to the removal of such a tree, sad as I am that it is one of NH's oldest, it must come down. Other trees are diseased. One in particular to which I objected showed no outward signs of disease to my naked eye, but the arborist insisted that it was diseased, and that allowing it to remain would have simply further spread the disease to other trees. You have a better chance of your objections being taken seriously if the tree is in front of your home, than if it is a tree on city property.

If UI is involved, they bring handouts and a slide show and they discuss when and why they remove, vs trim. They also have zoomed, enlarged photos of the trees showing why they need to be removed. Everyone discusses, and objectors get to ask questions and provide further objections if they are not satisfied.

After the hearings, and any tests that may be done on the trees (for disease, etc), Christy will email everyone her final decisions.

I wasn't thrilled with the decisions, but I do feel that Christy takes this all seriously, and has had no choice, since our recent climate changes and increase in storms. She has to attempt to achieve a balance, considering risks involved, since so many trees have fallen and caused damage.

CFPA has it right with their "right tree for the location," and unfortunately, since we do have so many old trees in New Haven, some of them are coming down now due to previously unforeseen circumstances. 50, 60, 70 years ago, who was thinking so much about power lines and cables and trees reaching 60 feet?

I hate to say that it all seems fruitless, but I feel that your skeptical take is justified, to a degree. That doesn't mean you shouldn't object and attend hearings. All tree huggers should remain invested and become actively involved. Christy WANTS PEOPLE TO SHOW UP AT THE HEARINGS. Don't just object and then ignore the hearing. Parks & Trees needs to know how residents feel about these issues, and if we can save a tree, even if for just a few more years, then it's worth it.

Trees removed from city property will automatically be replaced. Unfortunately, most residents are not tree huggers, and as such, URI no longer automatically replaces every tree in front of someone's house, unless they specifically request one, as people were actually - get this - sabotaging the new trees!! Sick.

Thanks for the details, BJG. I received an email from Christy Haas at 3:25 PM "Thank you for your interest. I will schedule a hearing in the near future and you will be notified." (I'd like to think that posting my original email/fax here publicly helped.)

YW. I suggest you check Urban Forester's profile for updates on all scheduled trimmings and removals: http://seeclickfix.com/users/57405

Christy Haas, Tree Warden has told me that the tree will NOT be removed, but will be placed on their "watch" list.

Acknowledged and closed After waiting for leaf out it has been determined to withdraw the posting for removal and schedule the tree for pruning and UI trimming. The tree will be reinspected regularly due to die back. Per agreement with Christopher Schaefer the request for a public hearing has been withdrawn.