Waterville Starts Work On New Tree Regulations

The steps to establishing regulations for planting trees in the Village of Waterville received resident input last week.

The Waterville Village Board opened last week’s meeting with a public hearing to comment on the draft of a proposed law.

About 15 people attended the meeting, including all five members and arborist consultant on the Village’s new Tree Committee.

Local Law No. 3, which could be adopted at the Board’s September meeting, outlines in general regulations for planting trees in the Village.

Details such as what types of trees are allowed over areas that contain utility lines, for example, will be recommended by the Tree Committee.

Village Clerk Gayle Barnes explained that keeping the actual law in general tones will prevent having to redo it each time something changes.

A tree deemed acceptable in 2026 could undergo a blight in a few years and need removing from the list.

Meredith Leland, chair of the Tree Committee, said the big question people have is what trees can they plant to replace one taken down.

Mayor Gene Ostrander said regulating the type and size of trees along the street over the utility lines and under power lines will reduce having NYSEG come in and trim a tree so it fits around the lines.

Josh Wenzel, an arborist who lives in Waterville, said NYSEG provides a list of trees that can be planted under power lines without problems.

In 1969 a tree was planted in front of every house on East Bacon Street.

Now, said DPW Superintendent Jamie Bechy, they grow on top of the water line.

Any repairs mean the tree ...