Salisbury Removes Rotting Trees From Chestnut Hill Cemetery
Crews took down about eight decaying trees at the southern Salisbury cemetery to protect visitors from falling limbs.
Updated on Nov. 6, 2026 in Eldercare
Salisbury removed about eight trees from Chestnut Hill Cemetery in southern Salisbury because they were rotting internally and externally. Cemetery Administrator Lindsey Stegall coordinated the work, which the Salisbury Grounds Maintenance crew completed.
Why it matters
Some of the removed trees were estimated to be 80 to 175 years old and appeared healthy from the outside despite internal rot, posing a hidden hazard. Nearby residents walk through the cemetery, which increases the potential risk to people in the area.
Crews removed about eight trees, several estimated to be 80 to 175 years old, from Chestnut Hill Cemetery after finding internal and exterior rot. The source does not say how many other trees at the site were inspected or whether further removals are planned.
The players
Lindsey Stegall
Salisbury Cemetery Administrator who coordinated the removal of the rotting trees from Chestnut Hill Cemetery.
Salisbury Grounds Maintenance Crew
The city's grounds maintenance team that carried out the tree removal using a bucket truck among the headstones.
The details
The Salisbury Grounds Maintenance crew used a bucket truck to reach the trees among the headstones and removed them limb by limb. A tree had previously fallen in the middle of the cemetery years ago, prompting the city to act before a similar incident could occur.
Timeline
Stegall reported the removal of about eight trees on Thursday, November 5, 2026.
Seasonal Patterns
The earlier tree fall in the middle of Chestnut Hill Cemetery years ago is a documented precedent for the current decision to remove decaying trees before they fail. Acting on internal rot that is not visible from the outside shows the city applying the same risk-based approach to aging urban trees.
Visitors and residents who walk through Chestnut Hill Cemetery may notice reduced tree cover while the grounds crew continues its work. The city's removal of hazardous trees reduces the risk of falling limbs for people using the cemetery grounds.
The takeaway
Trees that look healthy can still hide internal rot, so regular inspection matters in public spaces where people walk nearby. Visitors to older cemeteries should stay aware of overhead limbs and follow any posted safety notices.
Further reading
For related context on community spaces, see Eldercare in Salisbury.
Source note: This article includes information reported by Salisbury Post.
