The Mattapoisett Planning Board cut down a request to remove an ash tree on Beacon Street.

James and Kathe Parker, of 9 Ship St., requested that the tree be removed, saying it is diseased and also a dangerous position due to the placement of their driveway on Beacon Street.

In a letter to the board, Duponte Landscape and Nursery owner Charles Duponte wrote that the 20 to 25 foot tree is “in a state of decline resulting in loss of branches.”

“The precarious location of the tree is obscuring the driveway and obscuring the view for walkers,” wrote Duponte, who said paving around the tree in the 1970s  weakened it.

Tree Warden Roland Cote came out strongly against the request to remove the tree.

“I can see nothing wrong with the tree,” he said. “I don’t know what Duponte’s talking about. The tree’s been there longer than he’s alive.”

Highway Surveyor Barry Denham also recommended saving the tree.

“The definition of a New England village is large, mature trees. How do we save the definition of our village if we don’t save our mature trees?” said Denham.

Duponte said the Parkers would be willing to replace the tree; however, Sandra Hering of the Tree Committee said that could at least $3,000.

“I do believe that this ash tree is a real noticeable addition to this tree canopy,” she said. “There are very few places for replacement trees.”

As a final plea, Kathe Parker asked the board what would happen if the tree fell on the house. “If it was a perfectly healthy tree, it wouldn’t be an issue,” she said.

Chair Thomas Tucker said such an event might be considered an act of God by law, and suggested the Parkers consult a lawyer for clarity.

In the end, the board voted unanimously to deny the couple’s request to take down the tree.