Tree Committee

tree image

MISSION STATEMENT

To facilitate and promote the long term health of Stoneham’s public trees and serve as an educational resource for the town of Stoneham.

 This includes but is not limited to:

  • Act in an advisory capacity in the area of planting and care of shade trees
  • Recommend to the Town of Stoneham site selections and tree(s) for planting
  • Foster and promote arboriculture and the preservation and planting of shade trees
  • Provide tree care educational resources to the residents of Stoneham

 ABOUT

The committee shall develop and administer a comprehensive tree management program to guide the Town and the Committee’s activities. 

Such activities include, but are not limited to the following:

  1. Performing tree surveys, inventories and evaluations;
  2. Creating manuals or guidance for planting, maintaining and removing trees from streets, parks and other designated public places;
  3. Working in conjunction with the Tree Warden to seek grants or other assistance concerning the preservation and maintenance of trees in Town; and
  4. Performing public education and coordination with civic groups to promote Arbor Day and other special events related to public trees.

 The duties and responsibilities of the Committee shall include, but not be limited to:

  1. Advising the Town Administrator in matters related to the care and management of Town owned properties that contain public trees;
  2. Advising the Select Board, Department of Public Works, Conservation Commission, the Open Space and Recreation Committee and other local organizations on projects and activities involving public trees in Town;
  3. Advising the Tree Warden on planting, maintaining and removing trees from streets, parks and other appropriate public places; and
  4. Engaging in projects and activities that promote sustainable forestry and the long term health of public trees in Town, including programs and community events.

Members

Name  
Tom Brady Tree Warden   (Ex-Officio Member)
Megan Day Conservation Commission Designee
David Goodberg Vice Chair, Open Space & Recreation Advisory Committee Designee
Nhai Cao Chair
Connie Filosi  
Jeanne Grieve Secretary
Vacant Member  
Vacant Member  

REQUEST A STREET TREE PLANTING 

How can I request a public shade tree?

Any town resident that receives a tree must take care of watering the tree on a regular basis for the first couple of years. Watering care is detailed below.

The form below will put your address on a list to be inspected and considered for a tree planting.  Determination is made at that time as to suitability and need for a tree at that site by the Tree Warden.  Many variables go into choosing the correct spot and type of tree for a particular street tree planting. 

REQUEST FORM: ‘Request for consideration for the planting of a Public Street Tree’

Inquiries:
 Please call the Public Works Department at 781-438-0760. The trees are generally planted in the spring time. 

 How do I care for my town street tree?

The Town of Stoneham chooses trees that are able to sustain dry spells and survive our unique urban climate; however, their establishment is dependent on how they do during the first few years of life. Young trees require a substantial amount of water to thrive. The Town dispatches crews to water newly planted trees, but depends on Stoneham residents to water their street trees during dry spells.

 How much water does my new street tree need?

Newly Planted Trees: For new trees, water immediately after the tree is planted and twice weekly for the first summer and until early December. A newly planted tree will need approximately 15-20 gallons of water per week.

 During First Two Years: During the first couple growing seasons, your newly planted tree is expending a lot of energy trying to get its roots established in the soil. Especially during the first few summers of your new tree's life, it will have a difficult time dealing with heat and drought. You can make this easier by providing water and covering the soil. Deep watering can help speed the root establishment, which consists of keeping the soil moist to a depth that includes all the roots.

Protect your new tree: Minimize stressors to trees such as pet waste, salt and de-icing chemicals. Protect the trunk from tape and bikes. Cigarette butts, litter, and weeds should be removed promptly as well.

 How Much Water? Not enough water is harmful for the tree, but too much water can also cause issues. Moist is different than soggy, and you can judge this by feel. The ideal condition is damp soil that dries for a short period to allow adequate oxygen to permeate the soil.

 Tree Watering Tip: As a rule of thumb, your tree’s soil should be moist at 2” below the ground. Dig down 2” and touch your finger to the soil; if the soil is moist to the touch, then the tree does not need water.

Mulch: You can add a 3-inch layer of loose, coarse mulch at least 3 inches from the tree trunk of your street tree. Please be mindful not to add too much mulch (4 inches or more), as this may be a barrier to oxygen getting to the soil.

CONTACT

For inquiries, please call the Public Works Department at 781-438-0760.