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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.
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 WardenBrookline Parks and Open Space Division333 Washington StreetBrookline, 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.
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.
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.
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).
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.
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: