Melrose DPW Embarks on 7th Annual Springtime Street Tree Planting Program

For the seventh year in a row, Melrose Department of Public Works (DPW) today commenced its springtime Street Tree Planting Program, planting approximately 100 trees on the City’s “tree belt”. Since establishing the program in 2016, the DPW has planted more than 700 trees throughout Melrose in the fall and spring seasons, improving the appearance of neighborhoods while reducing urban "heat sink" effects. The trees also help mitigate the impacts of carbon loading and resulting climate change.

Each year, the City’s Tree Planting Program replaces trees and fulfills requests for trees on Melrose’s tree belt— the strip of ground located between the sidewalk line and the curb line—throughout the City. Trees are planted at the discretion of the City's Engineer, and almost always on public property.

Melrose residents can request a tree to be planted in front of their residency on the tree belt and the DPW accepts requests on a rolling basis. The waitlist for requested trees is currently between 1 to 2 years. Ahead of requesting a tree, residents should review the City’s List of Approved Trees. To request a tree, please call the DPW at (781) 665-0142.

Residents will receive a letter in the mail when they have been selected as potential tree recipients.

For more information about the City’s bi-annual Street Tree Planting Program, and to review the City’s tree planting guidelines, visit https://www.cityofmelrose.org/forestry-and-parks/pages/annual-tree-planting-program.