Town Of Arlington: Public Works Tree Division Catches Up From Pandemic Delays

Press release from Town of Arlington:

12/14/2021 3:12 PM

As this year’s fall street tree planting comes to a close, Arlington Department of Public Works would like to provide an update on tree planting activities and how it aligns with the Town’s Tree Management Plan. One of the primary goals of the Town’s Tree Management Plan is to replenish the street tree canopy back to 1980 stocking levels, which would require an increase of 2,000 public street trees to its 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. In the last three years, the Town was able to exceed this commitment with a net gain of 457 new street trees planted in the last three years.

“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,” said Michael Rademacher, Arlington’s Director of Public Works. “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.”

Since 2019 the Tree division has planted 955 trees and removed 495 trees.

"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.”

This press release was produced by Town of Arlington. The views expressed here are the author’s own.