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Arborists Help Out

Arborists from Bartlett Tree Experts, including Julian Reese, arborist representative (above) donated almost six hours of work at the Palmer Arboretum. Linda Lemmon photos.

 

 

By Linda Lemmon

Town Crier Editor

WOODSTOCK ---  The Palmer Arboretum received another volunteer "birthday" gift last weekend when arborists from Bartlett Tree Experts donated nearly six hours of work.

Julian Reese, arborist representative, had been to the arboretum a few years before and was impressed with the work that's been done since his last visit.

"One of the biggest changes I've seen is how opened up the arboretum is and exposed trees are now showcased a little more," he said. He added that the spread of chips to maintain beds is also a good thing. Volunteers have accomplished much --- much of it in this, the Palmer's 100th year.

Bill Brower, head of the arboretum's board, said on a visit to Massachusetts, he had seen Bartlett Tree Experts doing tree work and decided to ask if the company might be willing to help out at the arboretum. And company officials said yes.

Reese, who is a graduate of Woodstock Academy, was in a white oak, removing branches so the trees planted under it would stop leaning, looking for the sunlight the oak was now blocking. 

Another Bartlett arborist was in an American Hemlock which has been hit with Hemlock Scale and aphids. Dead branches were removed. The "leaning" Linden near the Milnor spring section of the arboretum, had branches removed from the top, to keep it from becoming too top heavy and then falling.

Reese was very impressed with all the work done in the spring area. Volunteer members of the arboretum board have made the arboretum blossom from overgrown to a gem. Matthew Sheldon transformed, with some help, an overgrown spring area. He eradicated multiflora roses, euonymus and bittersweet. He built paths and bridges and turned a catalpa tree lost in a storm into chairs, benches and tables. He requested that the spring be named for James W. Milnor, a Woodstock educator and naturalist. 

Brower said "We are so grateful for the work that Bartlett Tree Experts has done." 

The property, just behind Palmer Hall on Rt. 169, was donated by Minnie Palmer Dean in 1915.  Originally it was 5 acres and it was designed to be a walkway to Roseland, but the walkway was never done. The arboretum is currently just under 2 acres.