On Monday, April 16, the town of West Tisbury will begin the work of planting a grove of three New England maples, two ‘Accolade’ cherry trees, and a tulip tree in the area between the Field Gallery and the West Tisbury library/Howes House (Up-Island Council on Aging) parking lot. Both parcels are town-owned property.
According to a press release, as a final chapter of the West Tisbury Free Public Library renovation and expansion project, approved after extensive review by the selectmen in 2012, the grove will replace six unhealthy Norway maples currently at this location. The project is being undertaken with the guidance and collaboration of Polly Hill Arboretum.
The existing Norway maples are an invasive species that aggressively prevents other species from taking root by releasing chemicals into the soil that act like herbicides.The Massachusetts Department of Agricultural Resources bans the buying or selling of a Norway maple in this state.
The trees that will be planted this spring were chosen because they are compatible with the Island’s growing conditions and harmonious with the area. The New England maples will provide colorful foliage each fall, and the ‘Accolade’ cherry trees will bloom each spring. When it reaches maturity, the tulip tree will shade the library’s children’s garden.
The project will take about a month, and will consist of the removal of the Norway maples, the preparation of the soil, and the planting of new trees. There will also be an understory of rhododendrons and other shrubs, chosen in part to screen the view of the cars in the library parking lot. The tree work and its maintenance are being funded through private grants and donations, at no cost to the town.
