Two Hadley cemeteries are at the root of a town debate. Town officials want to remove trees from the Old Hadley cemetery and the North Hadley Cemetery.

Officials from the cemetery committee say the enormous roots and limbs are encroaching on the gravestones and could damage them over time. They also need more room for burials.

"The cemetery committee has come to the decision that the tree roots are impacting the gravestones," explained Fred Oakley, of the town cemetery committee. "If the tree limbs fall or the roots begin to tip over the stones, they will be damaged."

Many of the gravestones date back to the 1600's. And some have already been damaged by flood. Some people in town do not want to see the trees felled unless the town absolutely has to.

"I do think when it is possible to save trees, it is a good idea. The trees make a cemetery more peaceful," said Shel Horowitz, a Hadley community member.

The cemetery committee looked at the most diseased and threatening trees to remove from both municipal cemeteries. At this point, the town is moving forward with plans to remove the trees.

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