Swampscott Town Hall Tree Replacement

Vote for Your Favorite

Background

Swampscott Town Hall was the home of Elihu Thomson, founder of the Thomson-Houston Electric Company which merged with Edison Electric to become General Electric. The house and grounds were donated to the Town of Swampscott on Elihu Thomson's death in 1937.

The grounds were planted with a variety of trees which are shown in the aerial view below. Recently one of these trees, a European Beech, marked 35 in the aerial view, died and had to be removed.

A ground level view of the tree's location (after it was removed) is shown below.

The Swampscott Tree Task force reviewed 17 possible replacements and came up with 3 top choices. We considered in particular Massachusetts natives. The 3 top choices are described below and there is a form you can use to vote for your choice below that. By the way, you can donate towards the replacement tree, and visit the Swampscott Forestry Division Page for more info on tree programs for streets and parks.

Scarlet Oak

The scarlet oak, native to Massachusetts, has brilliant red leaves in the fall. It is a moderately- sized tree growing from 40 to 50 feet high. Its acorns provide food for squirrels, chipmunks, deer, wild turkey, blue jays, and redheaded woodpeckers. More info and pics.

American Basswood

The American Basswood grows naturally in Massachusetts. It has dense foliage with interesting heart shaped leaves, and grows from 60 to 80 feet high. Its creamy-yellow flowers in the spring that attract native pollinators. More info and pics.

American Sweetgum

The American Sweetgum, a large tree growing 60-100 feet high grows naturally as far north as Connecticut. Its star-shaped deep green leaves turn a variety of brilliant fall colors. The tree produces spiny seed balls in the fall that attract several bird species. More info and pics.

Now vote for your favorite! Just once please...

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