For several years now, Walpole landscaper Tim Stegna has planted a garden near the Rt. 129 in South Bristol.
On May 17, he made an ugly discovery. Someone has poisoned his garden, killing at least two trees and contaminating what Stegna estimates to be at least 24 cubic yards of soil.
“There is no way it was an accident,” he said. “I believe it was a spontaneous act by someone who drinks too much,” he said.
Stegna believes someone poured diesel fuel around the base of a 20-foot tall sugar maple and an eight-foot tall balsam fir.
The landscaper loves trees, but the fir tree was a special case.
“The balsam fir was planted as a memorial to my mother,” Stegna said.
Now the self-employed Walpole landscaper said it will cost nearly $5000 dollars in plants and soil to replace the two trees.
Stegna said he discovered the damage May 17 when he noticed the sugar maple he had planted on the site was wilted. Picking up a handful of soil at the base of the tree, he said he could smell the fuel oil even before he brought the soil close to his nose.
To confirm his suspicions, Stegna sent the sample to Augusta for testing.
“The State of Maine Health and Environmental Testing Laboratory confirmed contamination by diesel fuel at the rate 12 million parts per billion for the samples submitted,” Stegna said.
“The scientist conducting the test stated that this is a very high level. She told him he would have to remove the trees and dig out the soil and dispose of it.
“I don’t know why someone would do this to beautiful trees that are here for all to enjoy,” Stegna said. “I would guess they dumped maybe five gallons, maybe more, which in itself is amazing because diesel fuel is over $3 a gallon, now.”
Stegna said he hopes the person or persons who did the damage will make restitution for him in the amount of $4850, enough to cover the costs of the sugar maple $1600, the balsam fir, $250, excavation and replacement of 24 cubic yards of soil ($1000) and 24 cubic yards of loam and mulch ($2000).
This figure does not include a fee to dispose of the contaminated soil.
If payment is forthcoming Stegna said he is willing to drop the matter. However, if payment is not made, Stegna said he will pursue legal action if necessary.
“This being a small community, I will learn and confirm the identity of those responsible, initiate any and all legal recourse available and make those identifications public,” he said.
“My neighbors have asked what is wrong with the trees? I tell them ‘the maple is dead and the fir won’t make it.’
“It’s a damned shame,” he said.
