Tree in front of Biddeford City Hall to be replaced

BIDDEFORD — The large spruce tree next to City Hall will be cut down during the week of Sept. 5 and replaced with a new tree.

The tree, lit each December at Heart of Biddeford’s Downtown Holiday Festival Tree Lighting, has outgrown the available space underground for its roots, said city officials in a press release.

 

A closer look at some of the branches of the spruce tree. SBN STAFF/Liz Gotthelf

 The tree, which sits on the corner of Main and Alfred streets, only gets sunlight on one side, which is causing it to grow crooked, according to city officials. The needles on the interior of the City Hall side of tree are beginning to turn brown and die, and city officials say branches may begin to hang into Adams Street if the issue is not addressed.

“This tree is important to holiday festivities, so it is a disappointment to take it down, but it was ultimately the best decision for the health of the tree and the safety of the area as its health declines,” said Jeff Demers, Director of Public Works. “We’ve worked with Pierson Nurseries to find a replacement fir tree that is going to be between 12 and 14 feet tall, so it will still be large enough to decorate this winter.”

The replacement tree will also be planted in City Square, but in a slightly different location outside the building to give it better sun exposure and more room to grow in the future, according to city officials.

No road closures are anticipated during the tree’s removal.

Publisher Liz Gotthelf can be reached at newsdesk@sacobaynews.com.