Planting New Street Trees

The Arlington Tree Division orders about 300 bare-root trees per year and plant approximately half in the spring and half in the fall. 

Many of these trees are already spoken for when they arrive. Residents who have requested replacement trees are at the top of the planting list; the remaining trees are planted in locations chosen by the tree warden. Tree crews will leave written watering instructions at the home nearest the planting location. Regular watering of young trees are vital to the long-standing health of the tree and it is expected that residents regularly water these trees in the first 2-3 years of being planted, and during droughts after the tree has been established. 

To request a new street tree in front of your property, submit a Tree request at the Request/Answer Center

Another option is for residents to select and purchase a new tree at their own expense through the Tree Committee's Canopy Program.

Watering Your Street Tree 

Consistent watering of a newly planted tree is the most important factor in its survival.

A newly planted tree should be watered deeply 1-2 times per week. Slow, deep watering (4-10 gallons at a time, depending on the size of the tree) is best, to allow the water to soak in. The goal is to water the root ball thoroughly, then let it dry slightly between waterings.

Trees with watering bags: Fill the pouch in the bag via the small slit in the top of the watering bag once a week during the growing season (May-Nov). These bags slowly release water onto the tree roots. If water is being hand-delivered to the tree, these bags can be partially filled twice a week. Note: while tree bags are a convenience for those with hose access, they are not essential and can be damaging to the tree in extreme heat situations as they trap heat against the trunk. Try to unzip or remove bags during a heat wave to provide airflow. Yet, don’t forget you still need to water.

Trees without watering bags: deliver 3-5 gallons of water to the base of the tree 2x per week. Water slowly and avoid runoff.

Watering can be delivered to a tree using a hose, a watering can, or even by filling recycled containers with water.

In very dry, hot weather, a new tree may need extra water.

In a tree’s next 2 years, weekly or biweekly watering should continue.

Important: Typical lawn irrigation systems are NOT sufficient for tree watering. Trees need direct watering that will saturate the new root ball.

For new trees planted in the fall, trees should receive weekly waterings until the ground freezes, and then weekly watering should resume the following May.

Trimming and Removing Street Trees

To report street trees that are dead or dying, as well as dead limbs that pose a hazard to sidewalks, roadways, or privately owned structures residents can submit a Tree Request via the Request/Answer Center. You can also call 781-316-3311 during DPW Yard business hours.

The Tree Warden identifies street trees for removal beginning in late May or early June, when healthy trees have leafed out and dead or dying specimens can easily be identified. Tree crews also keep an eye out for hazardous dead limbs. Trimming and removal work takes place year-round, depending on weather conditions.

Tree removal is generally a three-stage process, and the work may be spread over several days.

Step 1: The crew removes upper limbs, down to the main trunk.

Step 2: The main trunk is cut into lengths and removed.

Step 3: The stump is ground.

Healthy street trees cannot be cut down – either at the request of residents or the Tree Warden – without a hearing. The date and time of this hearing is publicized on a placard affixed to the tree, in the legal notices section of the Arlington Advocate, and on the DPW web site, here. Anyone who objects to the removal must protest by writing to the Tree Warden or by appearing at the scheduled hearing. The removal request will be turned down if there are any objections. In this case, the resident who wants the tree cut down can file an appeal with the Select Board.

Residents who ask for removal of a healthy street tree are legally responsible for all costs associated with this process, including notification, conducting the hearing, removing the tree, and planting a replacement in a nearby location.