A recent trimming in the New Paltz High School courtyard described by district officials as “overzealous” led to some trees being turned back to the point of suffering, with their survival in question. A plan is currently in the works to try and replace the trees soon to take advantage of a seasonally optimal growing environment.
The issue was revealed during a meeting of the board of education held on Wednesday, November 6, with superintendent Stephen Gratto saying some of the trimming performed by members of the district’s facilities and maintenance department had gone further than intended, later confirming that the health of around a half dozen trees was in question.
“Approximately six trees were excessively trimmed to the point where their survival is unlikely,” said Gratto in an interview. “These include caliper weeping cherry, service berries and rose of sharon trees.”
The district is responsible for mowing and maintaining around 170 acres of school property, including the Courtyard Gardens, which were created in 2007 and inspired by the High Line in New York City. The gardens hold over 200 plant varieties, and serve a dual purpose of an on-campus green classroom and a place of tranquility for students.
Mark Masseo, president of New Paltz-based Masseo Landscape, Inc., and a district parent, donated his time to speak to district officials and students about how to handle the suffering trees and what might happen next.
“Mr. Masseo, an arborist and a parent in our district, met with me, the director of facilities and maintenance, the environmental science teacher, and members of the environmental science club,” said Gratto. “Mr. Masseo said that the trees in question were unlikely to survive or thrive and that the fall is a great time to replant trees. He recommended that the trees in question be removed now and replacements be planted. The students from the environmental science club agreed that this was the best course of action and they endorsed the plan of making changes immediately.”
What happens next and how the district will cover the costs are still being discussed, but in order to make use of the advantageous autumn fall planting environment, it will have to happen soon.
“We are still finalizing these plans and considering options for how to purchase the trees and how to get the work done,” Gratto said. “We do not have money budgeted specifically for this project. Money will need to be taken out of the budget for the facilities and maintenance department.”
Join the family! 
