By the end of this week, the Town of Branford will begin removing 19 ornamental trees which have become a hazard in the downtown area, to be replaced with other trees this fall. A removal plan to address some of downtown's problematic, non-native Bradford Pear trees has been on the town's radar, and in its long-range planning, since at least 2016.

The trees that will be removed have added to downtown's annual spring show of blossoming trees for decades; but they're also weakening as they age and need to be culled out, according to a press release issued by the town April 24.

The 19 trees to be removed later this week have been tagged with pink removal notices. The majority are on Main Street, with some on Ivy Street. The Main Street trees tagged for removal are mainly on the hill running up to the Montowese Street intersection, including two on the corner of the town green (fronting the bus stop). Some other trees to be removed include those in front of Possessions, SoundRunner and Home Restaurant. Other tagged trees include those near North Light Gallery and Branford Shoe Repair and businesses near Lockworks Square.

According to the press release, "The trees have become a hazard and a liability due to their age. Many of these trees have already lost large limbs while others are in danger of losing limbs. All of the trees have been properly posted and great consideration was given during the evaluation process to keep as many as possible. Replacement of the 19 trees will take place in approximately 3 weeks and additional  trees will be planted in the fall. The removal and replacement of these trees has been a long range project involving grants, several boards and  commissions, Tree Warden and other professionals including a landscape architect."