The large spruce tree outside of City Hall will be cut down during the week of September 5 and replaced with a new tree.

The tree, lit each December at Heart of Biddeford’s Downtown Holiday Festival Tree Lighting, has outgrown the available space underground for its roots. Additionally, the tree only sees sunlight from one side, causing it to grow crooked. The needles on the interior of the City Hall side of tree are beginning to turn brown and die, and branches may begin to hang into Adams Street if the issue is not addressed.

“This tree is important to holiday festivities, so it is a disappointment to take it down, but it was ultimately the best decision for the health of the tree and the safety of the area as its health declines,” said Jeff Demers, Director of Public Works. “We’ve worked with Pierson Nurseries to find a replacement fir tree that is going to be between 12 and 14 feet tall, so it will still be large enough to decorate.” 

The replacement tree will also be planted in City Square, but in a slightly different location outside the building to give it better sun exposure and more room to grow in the future.

No road closures are anticipated during the tree’s removal.