Tree Removal Efforts to Impact Maple Avenue Traffic in Keene

This action is being taken to address a red pine scale infestation affecting trees in the 9-acre region referred to as Dinsmoor Woods.

Next week, sections of Maple Avenue in Keene will be temporarily closed due to a significant tree removal operation as announced by city officials. This action is being taken to address a red pine scale infestation affecting trees in the 9-acre region referred to as Dinsmoor Woods. The invasive beetle poses a risk as it is gradually damaging the trees, turning them into potential hazards.

The project is set to commence on Monday and is anticipated to run through Thursday or Friday. Work hours will extend from 7 a.m. to 7 p.m. each day, with detours implemented outside of these hours. On the first day, the closure will specifically affect the stretch from Keene Middle School to Court Street, with drivers rerouted via Court Street to Old Walpole Road, then continuing through Sesame Street to Melody Lane and further to Dale Drive and Pako Avenue.

From Tuesday until the project's end on Thursday or Friday, the closure will shift to the area between Melody Lane and Court Street, with the same detour routes utilized. The removal efforts will involve Crown Point Excavation, a logging company tasked with handling the removal and processing of the majority-red pine trees.

Although the city expects the primary tree removal to be completed by the end of the week, logging trucks may be observed transporting the harvested timber until May 15. There is a vision for the future reestablishment of native hardwood species such as oak and beech in place of the removed red pines. The city plans to initially adopt a careful observation strategy as the native trees develop, with the possibility of introducing additional shrubs later on.