Risk Assessment in Municipal Arboriculture:

The Graydon Sycamore Case Study

Ridgewood, NJ — In February, the beloved sycamore tree at Ridgewood’s Graydon Pool came down after it was discovered that the tree was structurally unsound and posed a risk of falling. While the community grieved the loss of this iconic tree, the health of the village’s trees and safety of its residents take priority.

But just how was this decision made and what are the factors that go into making such an evaluation? The Ridgewood Shade Tree Commission is pleased to welcome certified arborist, Wayne Cahilly to the Ridgewood Public Library on Tuesday, April 10^th to answer these questions.

Mr. Cahilly assessed the health of the Graydon sycamore and will describe his work and observations related to the sycamore, including the condition of the tree and the risk it represented. He will also give audience members insight into the process that takes place when making such difficult risk assessment decisions. Additionally, he will provide a basic overview of tree physiology and structure so attendees can better appreciate the science that informs these decisions.

“The Graydon sycamore was an icon in our village, and I know many residents had strong feelings about its removal,” said Andrew Lowry, chairperson of the Ridgewood Shade Tree Commission. “We hope this presentation will help residents understand what went into making this tough decision and the complexities of risk assessment more generally.”

This lecture is free and open to the public.

What:                    Graydon Sycamore Case Study

Who:                     Wayne Cahilly, Owner of Cahilly’s Horticultural Services, LLC

Where:                 Ridgewood Public Library, 125 N Maple Ave, Ridgewood, NJ

When:                   Tuesday, April 10^th at 7:00pm      

For more information, please contact Bron Sutherland, bsuther@gmail.com

About Wayne Cahilly

Wayne Cahilly is the owner/operator of Cahilly’s Horticultural Services, LLC located in Dumont, NJ. During 35 years of working with trees, Wayne has assessed the structural condition and health of over 60,000 trees in New York, New Jersey, and Connecticut and elsewhere. Wayne is a graduate of the New York Botanical Garden School of Professional Horticulture and has served the Garden in the capacity of Forest Manager, Arborist, Manager of the Arboretum & Grounds, and Manager of

the Mapping Department. Wayne lives in Dumont, NJ with his wife Audrey, three adult children, three cats, and several fish.

About the Ridgewood Shade Tree Commission

The Ridgewood Shade Tree Commission’s (STC) purpose is to protect, preserve and enhance the shade trees in the village. Shade Trees are defined as trees planted next to streets on the Village’s property. The STC’s goals are to foster public-private partnerships to 1) educate the community about the contribution shade trees make to the Village environment and, 2) increase the number of shade trees in the village by actively promoting community tree planting programs.

Risk Assessment in Municipal Arboriculture:

The Graydon Sycamore Case Study

Ridgewood, NJ — In February, the beloved sycamore tree at Ridgewood’s Graydon Pool came down after it was discovered that the tree was structurally unsound and posed a risk of falling. While the community grieved the loss of this iconic tree, the health of the village’s trees and safety of its residents take priority.

But just how was this decision made and what are the factors that go into making such an evaluation? The Ridgewood Shade Tree Commission is pleased to welcome certified arborist, Wayne Cahilly to the Ridgewood Public Library on Tuesday, April 10^th to answer these questions.

Mr. Cahilly assessed the health of the Graydon sycamore and will describe his work and observations related to the sycamore, including the condition of the tree and the risk it represented. He will also give audience members insight into the process that takes place when making such difficult risk assessment decisions. Additionally, he will provide a basic overview of tree physiology and structure so attendees can better appreciate the science that informs these decisions.

“The Graydon sycamore was an icon in our village, and I know many residents had strong feelings about its removal,” said Andrew Lowry, chairperson of the Ridgewood Shade Tree Commission. “We hope this presentation will help residents understand what went into making this tough decision and the complexities of risk assessment more generally.”

This lecture is free and open to the public.

What:                    Graydon Sycamore Case Study

Who:                     Wayne Cahilly, Owner of Cahilly’s Horticultural Services, LLC

Where:                 Ridgewood Public Library, 125 N Maple Ave, Ridgewood, NJ

When:                   Tuesday, April 10^th at 7:00pm      

For more information, please contact Bron Sutherland, bsuther@gmail.com

About Wayne Cahilly

Wayne Cahilly is the owner/operator of Cahilly’s Horticultural Services, LLC located in Dumont, NJ. During 35 years of working with trees, Wayne has assessed the structural condition and health of over 60,000 trees in New York, New Jersey, and Connecticut and elsewhere. Wayne is a graduate of the New York Botanical Garden School of Professional Horticulture and has served the Garden in the capacity of Forest Manager, Arborist, Manager of the Arboretum & Grounds, and Manager of

the Mapping Department. Wayne lives in Dumont, NJ with his wife Audrey, three adult children, three cats, and several fish.

About the Ridgewood Shade Tree Commission

The Ridgewood Shade Tree Commission’s (STC) purpose is to protect, preserve and enhance the shade trees in the village. Shade Trees are defined as trees planted next to streets on the Village’s property. The STC’s goals are to foster public-private partnerships to 1) educate the community about the contribution shade trees make to the Village environment and, 2) increase the number of shade trees in the village by actively promoting community tree planting programs.