This summer, the Public Services Department will be removing some trees in Riverbank Park that have been damaged and need to come down.

Public Services Deputy Director John Emerson said staff arborists have surveyed all of the trees in Riverbank Park and have identified seven that will require removal and replacement. He said the department would begin removing the trees later this week.

Emerson said the seven trees targeted for removal are all showing signs of disease, damage and rot which, if not attended to, could result in breakage and residual damage to surrounding trees, monuments and playground equipment. He said the trees would be taken down on a prioritized basis beginning with the ones that pose the greatest potential danger.

Each tree to be removed has been marked with blue paint, and Emerson said the department would be posting signs in the area of each tree warning people in the park to stay away from the tree.

Once the trees have been removed, Emerson said the city would be planting replacement trees. If residents have questions about the Riverbank Park replacement project or any aspect of Westbrook’s forestry program, Emerson said they are encouraged to call the Public Services department at 854-0660.