Derry holiday tree is gone

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November 5, 2009

Officials weigh their options for tree lighting

By Julie Huss

DERRY — It may be time to begin a new holiday tradition now that a prominent town evergreen is gone.

That's what town officials said last week after a stately pine that stood for decades aside the historic Adams Memorial Building was cut down.

The tree's insect infestation problems and other structural dangers made it unsafe for people to be near, according to tree experts.

Last Tuesday, workers from All-Pro Tree Service in Chester, came to Derry to take down the tree. The pine, decorated for many, many years with the town's holiday lights and the main star of the annual tree lighting ceremony, was found to be dangerous and infected with ants.

"It's kind of a shame," All-Pro owner Pat Floyd said of the tree after it was taken down last week.

Floyd said he remembered the tree through the years being the focal point of the Derry holiday season, all covered with lights with a glowing star at the top to kick off the town's festive time.

But when it came to safety, it was time for the tree to come down.

"I can't emphasize safety enough," said Derry Parks and Recreation director Eric Bodenrader.

Bodenrader said the tree's limbs were unsafe and could have posed a threat to people standing near the tree during a tree lighting event. And with the insect problem it all added up to the decision to cut the tree down.

He added the star atop the pine used for the holiday lights was soldered onto a bracket that was cracking and very dangerous if any piece might have fallen off.

"The tree grew around [the bracket] and the brackets were starting to crack," Bodenrader said.

Also adding to the tree's demise, last December's damaging ice storm that caused excess stress to the tall tree.

"It was a sad thing to see it go," Bodenrader said, "but first and foremost, safety was first priority."

Bodenrader said the town has not made a decision yet as to how to proceed with a town tree-lighting ceremony since the main focal point for past lightings is now gone. But it's always a great time to begin new traditions, he added, and there may be plans in the works for a new location or a new tree to begin the next generation of holiday fun in Derry.

"We can start the tradition all over again," he said, adding locations being discussed for a new tree includes the Pocket Park at the corner of Manning Street and Broadway. "We're just not sure yet."

Derry's annual Very Derry holiday event is scheduled for Nov. 28, following the Greater Derry/Londonderry Chamber of Commerce holiday parade.