Last July Natick Common was a scene of planned destruction. At that time, North Eastern Tree Service, with the Natick Department of Public Works on hand to oversee the job, cut down 10 ash trees that had been part of the downtown green scene for over 20 years. The reason: Emerald Ash Borer beetles had moved in, feeding on tissues beneath the trees’ bark. Despite remediation attempts, the beetles won. Tree Warden Art Goodhind made the tough call that the trees were a hazard that needed to be removed, and the Natick Select Board agreed with his recommendation.
Removal of ash trees on Natick Common, July 2020. Photo by Dennis McCormickNine months later, on a beautiful spring day, new trees were brought into the part of the world that is Natick Common. The metaphors abound. Make a visit to the Park Street nursery and welcome the bouncing baby saplings named Magnolia Elizabeth; Wildfire Tupelo; Cherokee American Sweetgum; and more. No monoculture planting this time—the smart money says mixing up species is the way to go. That way if one tree is attacked by disease or insects, it’s not a forgone conclusion that all the trees will succumb.
It’s going to be so exciting to watch Natick’s newest deliveries grow and thrive.
Magnolia Elizabeth is so happy to be here, she’s blooming.
Natick DPW operated the equipment, and Shumacher Co. provided the trees and handled the planting.More: Subscribe to our Natick Report daily email
Perfect! As I drove around the Common today, I thought “I hope the Natick Report tells this story” ( and identifies the yellow blossoming trees). Thanks.