Two spruce trees at 23 Clover Place in Cos Cob could come down at Eversource's request. A resident's written objection has forced a public hearing before any removal can proceed.

Greenwich's Parks & Trees Division scheduled a virtual tree hearing for Thursday, Oct. 15 at 11:30 a.m., Patch first reported. Gregory Kramer, who has served as Greenwich's Tree Warden, posted the two spruce trees for removal on Sept. 10 after Eversource requested they come down.

The division has not disclosed why Eversource wants the trees removed. No specific reason appears in the public notice or the town's hearing listing.

Under Connecticut law, a tree warden must post notice on any tree scheduled for removal at least five days beforehand. If anyone files a written objection, the warden is required to hold a public hearing before deciding whether the trees stay or go.

The Parks & Trees Division confirmed that at least one email objecting to the removal arrived within the objection window after the Sept. 10 posting. That objection triggered the Oct. 15 hearing.

The hearing will be held on Zoom. Residents who want to participate can join at https://greenwichct.zoom.us/j/85877062158?pwd=gCjGKDIIUm2IXSxuzawUeGyARtxCue.1 using Webinar ID 858 7706 2158 and passcode 7994609.

After the hearing, the Tree Warden will issue a written decision on whether the spruce trees stay or go. Connecticut law provides two appeal tracks depending on the circumstances. Under the state's utility tree statute, either the property owner or Eversource can appeal the warden's decision to the Public Utilities Regulatory Authority (PURA) within 10 business days. Under the general tree warden statute, an aggrieved party may appeal to Superior Court within 10 days.

The Oct. 15 hearing is the next scheduled step. No timeline for a final decision has been announced.