Concord has hired a contractor to take down a number of trees between I-93 and the Merrimack River because of problems involving invasive species. Trees that are being cut this week include ash trees infected by the emerald ash borer, an insect that is killing virtually all ash trees in North America, and an invasive species called Tree of Heaven, as well as the tree-killing vine known as Japanese bittersweet. This “selective clearing” is designed to give people a better view of the river while improving conditions for healthy trees.
It should be done by Friday, according to the city. The right-hand northbound lane of the highway may be closed between about 8 p.m. and 5 a.m. each night until the work is done.
