Brookhaven Rolls Out $249K Tree-Cutting Beast

Brookhaven is bringing out the big guns in its battle against dangerous trees, overgrown branches and storm damage.

Highway Superintendent Daniel P. Losquadro announced the addition of a $249,130 tree-trimming truck equipped with a massive 73.5-foot aerial boom, giving highway crews greater reach to tackle towering trees threatening local roadways.

The specialized vehicle will handle hazardous tree removal, overhead clearance, storm cleanup and routine maintenance throughout New York's geographically largest town.

The investment comes with enormous responsibilities.

Brookhaven's Highway Department maintains more than 3,500 lane miles of town-owned roads, making it one of New York's largest municipal highway operations.

According to the New York State Association of Town Superintendents of Highways, Losquadro oversees approximately 300 employees and a departmental budget exceeding $160 million.

Tree maintenance represents just one piece of that operation, which also includes paving, pothole repairs, drainage improvements, street sweeping, snow removal and traffic safety.

"I am always looking for opportunities to expand our fleet," Losquadro said. "The addition of this new truck will substantially increase our capabilities, enabling us to work more efficiently and cover twice as much ground across Brookhaven Town."

The dangers are hardly hypothetical.

When Tropical Storm Isaias slammed Long Island in August 2020, more than 1,600 trees reportedly fell across Brookhaven, including over 400 involving power lines.

The destruction forced highway crews into extended cleanup operations across thousands of lane miles.

Brookhaven's infrastructure demands extend beyond storm emergencies.

The Highway Department estimates that necessary annual roadwork exceeds $100 million, while its published road-maintenance information identifies an approximately $17 million paving budget.