QUINCY − Dozens of trees that have been cut down along Merrymount Parkway in Quincy will be replaced with new plants this spring after work intended to "address historic erosion problems" wraps up.

A slope along Merrymount Parkway that was once filled with trees has been the subject of talk in the city over the last few weeks as residents notice the now-empty stretch of dirt.

The trees were removed as part of an ongoing project to regrade the slope and fix erosion problems, Natural Resources Commissioner Dave Murphy said. The work is part of a larger Merrymount Parkway improvement project. The trees will be replaced with 55 new plantings in May and June.

The regrading of the slope will continue until the beginning of May. The larger plan will also include new sidewalks, lighting, pavement and bike lanes.

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Once the slope is regraded, Quincy will plant new trees along the slope that "should provide environmental and aesthetic benefits for the next 100 years," Murphy said.

Tree species to be planted include October Glory red maple, sugar maple, sweetgum, tulip trees, black Tupelo, white oak, pin oak, trident maple, Eastern red bud and Stellar Pink dogwood. Azalea and viburnum shrubs will also be planted.

The new trees will replace oak and pine trees.

“We appreciate everyone’s patience during the renovation of the hillside,” Murphy said in a statement. “The finished product will be a substantial improvement from the former condition. ... The declining condition of the existing slope required action. The enhanced biodiversity, the steadier slope to eliminate erosion, and the enhanced condition and life expectancy of the new trees will make a positive impact for many years to come.”

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Reach Mary Whitfill at mwhitfill@patriotledger.com.

This article originally appeared on The Patriot Ledger: Merrymount Parkway trees to be replaced after erosion project