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The Richards Free Library Board of Trustees wishes to inform the public that the large white pine trees and hemlock trees on our side lawn need to be removed.

Library Board Trustee Guenter Hubert and Library Director Sally J. Bernier met with several arborists who all agreed that the pines and hemlocks are reaching the end of their lives and at least some may have red rot, rendering them doubly unstable. The white pines and hemlocks are approximately 100 years old. The hemlocks were originally planted as a hedge, which partially died out and then became overgrown. Some of the trees have a structure that is unbalanced, with many large limbs on the north-north-west side overhanging the historic mansion and carriage house. A storm could cause them to come down on top of those buildings, resulting in massive structural damage. Beyond this, the trees pose a safety threat to the public during the many outdoor programs held on the side lawn. The white pines in particular are prone to losing limbs that catch on other limbs to become “widow makers.”  

After collecting bids from local tree removal services, the Library Board of Trustees is moving
forward to have these dangerous trees removed by Arthur Heino Jr. Tree Service LLC, before they can cause damage to the buildings and/or injury to anyone. Removal of the trees is scheduled to take place December 9-13, 2024 and will be paid for with Richards Free Library building endowment funds.

In an effort to revitalize the side lawn once the pine trees and hemlocks have been removed, Hubert has been in contact with the Newport High School Forestry and Natural Resources teacher, Sam Nelson, to discuss the possibility of assistance with planting new, limited growth shade trees on the side lawn in the spring.

The Richards Free Library Board of Trustees, along with the staff of both the Richards Free Library and the Library Arts Center, recognize the important contribution the pine trees and hemlocks have made over the years as shade trees for outdoor events, and regret that their removal is now necessary. However, protection of the buildings and their collections, as well as the safety of the staff and the public, must come first. The trustees and staff greatly appreciate the understanding and support of the Newport community with regard to this endeavor.