Notice Regarding Schedule for Tree Removal in Maple Lane Cemetery

In the coming weeks, the Cemetery Trustees will be moving forward with significant safety and landscape improvements in Maple Lane Cemetery. The work will include removal of several large Norway spruce trees, thinning and pruning of Maple trees to promote health and undergrowth, and, later in the spring, replanting of new trees. This work follows coordination with the Cemetery Trustees, Select Board, and direct outreach to abutters.

A total of 22 Norway spruce trees will be removed, which have been determined to pose a serious threat to public safety as well as cemetery lots and headstones. Due to the great height of these trees, they are especially vulnerable to wind damage resulting in the sheering off of the top 10 to 15 feet in high winds, as has happened to several trees in the recent past.

In addition to the removals, 11 maple trees will be pruned within the grassy areas of the cemetery. The work will include thinning the tree crowns to promote better overall health of the trees along with allowing additional sunlight on the grassy areas to help promote grass growth.

This work is part of a comprehensive approach to managing the tree landscape in the cemetery. In the spring four new Maple trees will be planted, this work follows planting efforts in 2013 (9 maple trees in the cremation garden); 2016 (13 green giant arborvitae) and 2018 (6 cherry trees).

This approximately $25,000 project will be funded entirely from interest earnings from the Cemetery Trust Fund.  

For more information, about the Towns’ Cemeteries, please visit: https://www.strathamnh.gov/cemetery-trustees. 

David Moore
Town Administrator
(603) 772-7391 x 187
dmoore@strathamnh.gov