Tree Warden

Public Shade Tree Hearing Agendas & Minutes

Agendas are available prior to the meetings. Minutes are available following approval.

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Department Staff

  • Dana Pixley, Tree Warden

Overview

The Hampden Tree Warden is responsible for the care and preservation of all Town trees within the limits of any Town right-of-way.

The objectives of the Tree Warden are to:

  • Preserve, protect and manage Hampden's urban forest through tree pruning and other preventative maintenance.
  • Enhance public safety by removing dead, dying, hazardous and utility conflicted trees.
  • Improve the quality of Hampden's urban forest areas by implementing a non-native invasive plant management program.

The scope of the job is broad and includes but is not limited to the following: 

  • Pruning of trees for safety and health.
  • Removal of trees that are dead or dying (from storms, insects, disease or old age).
  • Identify appropriate planting sites.
  • Planting new trees.
  • Working with National Grid on assessment of trees for potential hazards to public safety.
  • Oversight of utility arboriculture operations.
  • Working closely with contracted tree professionals.
  • Conduct public meeting and tree hearings as necessary.

Benefits of Trees

  • Trees reduce erosion and absorb pollutants before they enter streams.
  • Trees intercept rainfall, which slows stormwater runoff and reduces flooding.
  • Improved air quality; trees absorb air pollutants such as carbon monoxide, ozone and sulfur dioxide. Trees also produce oxygen and play an important role in carbon sequestration.
  • Trees cool in the summer by intercepting sunlight and reduce the amount of heat absorbed by streets, parking lots and buildings. Trees also allow sunlight to warm in the winter.
  • Trees also have economic value by reducing energy costs and improving property values.