Arlington Catches Up On Tree Planting Delayed By Pandemic

ARLINGTON, MA — The Arlington Department of Public Works has caught up on tree work that was delayed by the pandemic, ultimately exceeding the goal laid out in the town's Tree Management Plan.

Since 2019, the Tree division has planed 955 trees and removed 495, for a net gain of 457 street trees.

"The DPW Tree Division put in extra effort this year and planted over 400 trees to catch up from loss of tree planting opportunities due to the pandemic," DPW Director Michael Rademacher said in a statement. "In addition to the efforts put forth by tree crews, we saw a decrease in tree removals, which puts us a little ahead in replenishing the street tree canopy. However, it may also be in part due to the crews focus on additional tree planting."

One of the primary goals of the Tree Management Plan is to replenish the canopy back to 1980 stocking levels, which would require an increase of 2,000 public street trees to the town's 2018 inventory.

A 20-year timeline has been set to reach this goal, which is a net gain of 100 new street trees per year.

"We are pleased with the progress to plant more street trees," said Tim Lecuivre, Arlington's Tree Warden. "Every year is different, but the Tree Division remains committed to increasing the town's street tree canopy for the benefit of all."