Trees & Open Spaces Division

 Notification of Weed Control on Pavements and Sidewalks

As part of our program to control vegetation emerging from pavements and sidewalks, the City of Lewiston will be completing pavement crack and crevice herbicide applications this season. Herbicide applications will start in June and continue as necessary until early October.  A state certified licensed contractor will complete the work. Target areas include municipal sidewalks, walkways, parks, and parking lots. Herbicides to be utilized include Reward Herbicide, Esplanade 200 SC, and an organic herbicide, Finalsan Herbicidal Soap. 

The City of Lewiston also has a SWEEP (Sustainable Weed Control on Pavements) Program. SWEEP emphasizes weed prevention to reduce herbicide usage. SWEEP includes pavement crack and crevice filling, sand removal and hand picking larger weeds. 

Responsibilities and Services

The Landscape and Tree Work Team maintains all the trees and landscaping within the city right of way in Lewiston. It is supervised by the City Arborist and is a five-person crew.

Responsibilities include tree pruning or removals in response to hazardous situations, diseased trees, right of way visibility issues, resident's requests and general pruning for preventative maintenance. Right of way visibility, sign visibility and road clearance are an ongoing piece of the work load. This work meet's State and MUTCD requirements to maintain a safe and convenient travel way.

The Landscape and Tree Work Crew is also responsible for the installation and maintenance of various landscaped areas throughout the City totaling over (59,286 sq. ft.) and spread over 100 locations. These landscape areas vary in size from 8-10 square feet to several hundred feet. These areas are planted with perennials, small shrubs and trees. Crews install mulch, weed, trim and water to maintain the health and appearance. Many landscape areas are planted with annual flowers which contribute bright color in the downtown area. 

These areas have a great impact on the appearance of the city. The aesthetic value these locations contribute has an effect on the City of Lewiston that cannot be understated.

Other Services

  • Tree Inventory - The Landscape and Treework Division maintains one of the only working Tree Inventories in the State of Maine.  The division continually updates and maintains an inventory of over 4,000 City trees. This inventory is linked to the City GIS Map, and each tree is plotted on a layer which can assist with right of way locates and construction projects.
  • Wood Chips - Wood chips from our tree work are processed every two years with a tub grinder providing the city with quality mulch for under $4 per yard.
  • Community Volunteer Projects - The Landscape & Treework Division supports various community volunteer projects. Our team also provides support for large volunteer projects.  In addition, the division provides assistance and support for the Adopt-A-Spot program which manages (25) locations in Lewiston in cooperation with the LA Metro Chamber of Commerce.
  • Lewiston School Classroom Projects - The City Arborist often works with Lewiston Schools and teachers, entering classrooms and speaking with students. This is usually as part of a science class and related learning projects promotes the benefits of trees and the environment. The role Public Works plays in maintaining the City is discussed. Examples are Arbor Day, tree give away, photosynthesis, Carbon Dioxide, National Arbor Day poster contest, and tree planting.
  • Downtown Christmas Decorations - Along with the Open Spaces Team, we install lights at various locations in the downtown area.
  • Chip and Recycle Christmas Trees - The Landscape and Treework Division chips and recycles all Christmas trees collected throughout the City. 
  • Spring Brush Collection   Week- The Landscaping and Treework Division chips or hauls brush as outlined by the City Solid Waste Facility each Spring during Spring Brush Collection Assistance Week. During a specific week each spring, residents of the City can leave brush curbside, and our team will chip it or haul it away. 

Interesting Landscaping & Treework Division Statistics

  • The City plants a variety of new trees each year.
  • The cost to remove a tree can vary between $00 and $1,300 each, and the City budgets $4,000 each year to remove hazardous trees.
  • The City has a contract to control weed growth along almost 60 miles of street curbs.

Related Resources