What If…

  • I want to go to the City's website for information on trees

    The City website may have the answer to your question. Go to the Natural Resources or Forestry page. There is a menu on the left with items like requesting a tree planting, reporting forestry related issues, tree hearings, etc.

  • How do I know if a tree is on City or private property?

    Use the assessors map. Zoom to the area to confirm.

  • I saw a dead/hazardous tree on City property

    Fill out this form.

  • I want a tree planted in front of my house

    Email Mike Cassinelli, project manager for the parks and forestry division of the department of natural resources.

  • A tree on City property needs maintenance (e.g. pruning, diagnosis of sickness)

    Fill out this form.

  • There is a tree stump on City property that needs to be removed

    Fill out this form.

  • I want a tree planted on my property

    Don’t have space for a tree between the sidewalk and road in front of your house? The tree warden is working on the logistics of a “back of sidewalk” program which would allow the City to work with homeowners to plant trees on their property instead of the City’s. This program is not currently in place but we will update this page with any new information!

    An alternative route to getting a free tree planted on your property is to check if you are within the two environmental justice neighborhoods that DCR has identified for tree plantings as part of the Greening the Gateway Cities program. Click here to learn more.

  • A tree on my own property needs maintenance or removal

    Call an arborist to understand what condition the tree is in and to advise on next steps. The Mass Arborist Association has a list of certified professionals.

  • I noticed a tree on City property that looks like it has an infestation

    See the links at the bottom of the Trees page of this website to determine whether it is one of these high priority pests. Take pictures of the pests and fill out this form.

  • A utility company is pruning trees on the street

    Check to make sure they have a permit to do so via the “Active Permits” page on the City website. It should say dates and the location of the permit.

  • Somebody other than a utility company is pruning/cutting a tree and I’d like to know more

    Figure out if it’s on City or private property by using the assessors map. Zoom to the area to confirm.

    If it’s on private property then, according to the tree ordinance, if there is new construction AND the tree is of a caliper 8” or larger, then the Tree Warden would have been required to review plans. Call the Forestry Department with any questions. (617) 376-1253

    If it’s on public property, check to see if there is a notice on the trunk. If there isn’t, call or email the Forestry Department.

  • I'm worried about roots going into my sewer pipe

    The Tree Roots & Utility Lines Link on the City website states: Massachusetts case law (Michalson v. Nutting, 275 Mass. 232 (1931)) has determined that “The owner of a tree is not responsible for the damage its roots cause to neighboring property, but the neighbor's "right to cut off the intruding boughs and roots is well recognized."

    If you are sure roots are causing issues in your pipe, the best remedy is to replace that section of pipe. Alternatively, the pipe can be rodded with a pruning head. The City will cover the pipe being rodded out once a year. If you have any further questions, call the Department of Natural Resources at (617) 376-1251.