Sept. 5 event to demonstrate how to rejuvenate root-bound street trees

posted on 9/3/2025

A community demonstration to help rejuvenate a stressed downtown maple tree will take place Friday, Sept. 5, at 1 p.m. at the Joe B. Parks Riverwalk Public Gardens, 400 Central Ave.

Planted during the 1970s urban renewal of Dover’s downtown core, the tree has become root-bound within the hardscape and is showing signs of stress. Susan Hamilton is donating her time and expertise to the project. She is a certified arborist through the International Society of Arboriculture and founder of Port City Tree Care. 

Using an Air Spade, Hamilton will methodically remove excess soil, expose the trunk root flare, relieve soil compaction, improve aeration and encourage optimal root development while minimizing the formation of girdling roots.

The event is free and open to the public.

In addition to Port City Tree Care, the event is also supported by the University of New Hampshire Extension, the City of Dover, and the Strafford County Master Gardeners Association