Hot on the heels of the hedge trimming ordinance in Southampton and the ban on bamboo being considered in the villages of Sag Harbor and East Hampton, the foliage oversight game might have a new participant. Sagaponack?the nation's 3rd most expensive zip code?is now considering a committee to help create policy for the planting, removal and care of trees along its main roads. While the legislation in other East End towns seems to stem from contentious neighbors, Sagaponack's is partly rooted in economics. According to arborist Michael Gaines, "[It costs] taxpayers a lot of money" when events like Irene wreak havoc on trees and utility lines. Much of these costs can be avoided with a carefully considered urban forest. [27 East]
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