Stonington - The town has identified 25 large, decaying trees along scenic North Main Street that need to be cut down.

In recent days, concerned residents have been calling and e-mailing First Selectman Ed Haberek because they are worried the town is going to cut down the trees immediately.

But on Monday, Haberek and Director of Public Works Joe Bragaw stressed that, with the exception of two maple trees that pose an imminent danger to passing cars, none of the other trees will be taken down yet.

Instead, the town plans to hold a public forum during the first week of December at the Stonington Community Center to detail the condition of the trees, which are mostly maples, and listen to the concerns of residents.

"There's a lot of concern because this is the gateway to Stonington from the highway," Haberek said. We want to be able to balance the safety issues with the aesthetic issue."

The trees are located along a 1.3-mile stretch of road between Pequot Trail and Route 1. The two trees that have to be taken down immediately have been marked with large orange "X"s. The others have orange circles near their base.

Signs will soon be placed on the trees, explaining that the town tree warden, by state statute, has determined the trees on the town right of way need to be taken down and that anyone who objects should send a letter to the town within five days of the posting.

But Bragaw and Haberek said the town will not make any decisions until after the public forum.

Bragaw said a resident complained about the trees' condition to town Tree Warden Paul Rohacik, who then had an arborist inspect them. The trees, which have diameters as large as 40 inches, show signs of decay, split limbs and other problems. Some are just dead, according to the report.

Bragaw said the town would face liability issues if an identified tree falls on a car or causes an accident. He added it is possible that not all the trees will have to be cut down.

Because the trees are on a designated scenic road, the Planning and Zoning Commission will have to approve the plan. The commission was scheduled to review the tree removal at its meeting tonight but has postponed it until next month.

j.wojtas@theday.com