CITY OF WATERTOWN, NEW YORK

ROOM 302, WATERTOWN CITY HALL

245 WASHINGTON STREET
WATERTOWN, NEW YORK 13601-3380
(315) 785-7741

PRESS RELEASE
For Immediate Release Contact: Michael J. DeMarco, Planner
September 21, 2023 Office, (315)785-7884

CITY CONTINUES CONTRACTED

STREET AND PARK TREE PRUNING PROJECT

The City of Watertown continues its Street and Park Tree Pruning Project, a significant effort
to preserve and enhance segments of the City’s historic tree canopy. On Monday, September
25, 2023, contracted certified arborists from Arborcare Tree Service will begin working
through Watertown’s Westside neighborhoods.

Using key data and information found in the City's tree inventory and management plan, staff
identified priority trees based on various factors, including condition evaluations, risk
assessments, recommended maintenance, and species.

The initial phase of the project addressed the maintenance needs of fourteen (14) mature trees
throughout Thompson Park. The current phase includes twenty-nine (29) mature trees located
along the following streets: Ely Street, Dorsey Street, Massey Street N, Massey Street S
(Emma Flower Fire House), Portage Street (Portage Street Playground), Meadow Street S,
Paddock Street, Flower Avenue W, Ball Avenue, Sherman Street, Iroquois Avenue W,
Cosgrove Street, and Butterfield Avenue.

In an ongoing partnership between the City of Watertown and National Grid's Forestry
Division, Grid’s tree maintenance contractor will play a pivotal role by pruning select portions
of nine (9) project-related trees that are encroaching on National Grid's electrical
infrastructure. This cooperative effort illustrates the commitment of both the City and
National Grid to preserving the beauty that trees provide in our urban environment and
ensuring uninterrupted electricity to our residents.

While every effort will be made to minimize inconvenience to residents during pruning
activities, there may be instances where temporary work zones are established at the end of
specific driveways to facilitate the arborists' work. Arborcare Tree Service will work closely
with affected residences before initiating any such work.

This important project is made possible through the City's allocation of American Rescue Plan
Act (ARPA) funding.