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1. Can I have a “Front Yard” tree planted anywhere on my property?

The Town can plant within 20 feet of the public right of way, in the front- and/or side-yards of your property. The chief purpose of the program is to increase the number and diversity of trees contributing to and benefiting Brookline’s streetscapes. Please note that the tree must be completely visible from the street.

2. What does the application process look like?

If you are interested in the Front Yard Tree Planting Program, we ask that you please fill out a Front Yard Tree Application. You can either apply online, or you can download a hard copy of the application and return it to:

Tom Brady, Tree Warden
Brookline Parks and Open Space Division
333 Washington Street
Brookline, MA 02445 

Or via email to [email protected] 

Once you have submitted the application, a member of the Tree Planting Committee will contact you to review the site and discuss any species preferences you may have. The Tree Planting Committee and Tree Warden will review your request at their upcoming quarterly Tree Planting Committee meeting. If the proposed site appears suitable for tree planting, you will be asked to complete a Front Yard Tree Planting Program Agreement. The Town will then contact DigSafe to conduct an assessment and ensure that there are no underground utilities in the proposed location.

Applications are accepted throughout the year, and planting typically takes place in Spring (April – June) and Fall (September – November). The planting schedule is dependent on seasonal conditions, crew schedule, and plant availability.

3. What kind of trees are available? Can I choose what species of tree is planted?

Each year, the Town has several varieties of shade and ornamental trees available for planting through the Front Yard Tree Planting Program. The availability of particular species is dependent on nursery stock. If you have a preference of species for your Front Yard tree, please let us know in the Application (there is a representative list of species available for view under the previous tab called "Example Tree Species"). If the proposed site is conducive to tree planting, we will do our best to accommodate your request or work with you to determine an appropriate species for the specific site.

4. What is the cost to the homeowner?

The Town will provide the tree and plant it at no cost to the homeowner. The tree will be owned and maintained by the Town for the first five years after planting, and then relinquished to the homeowner’s care and ownership.

5. How many “Front Yard” trees can I request?

You can request as many trees as is suitable for your specific site (however all trees must be within 20 feet of the public way and completely visible from the street). 

6. What are the deciding factors for site suitability?

Factors considered for site suitability include: site topography, soil volume, the availability of space (in regards to buildings and existing trees/plantings), sunlight availability, underground utilities, et cetera.

7. I just had a “Front Yard” tree planted on my property! How can I care for my tree?

Congratulations on your new tree, and thank you for helping us enhance Brookline’s urban forest!

To help your new tree thrive, there are several things you can do:

• During the first two years, your tree will be expending a lot of energy trying to get its roots established in the soil. You can help make this easier by watering your tree regularly. From late spring until early December, water your tree slowly once or twice per week to keep its roots moist. A newly planted tree will need 15-20 gallons of water per week. 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.
• You can also add a 3-inch layer of loose, coarse mulch at least 3 inches from the tree trunk of your tree. Please be mindful not to add too much mulch (4 inches or more), as this will exclude oxygen from the soil.
• Keep pet urine and feces away from the tree’s roots.