SALEM – The city of Salem will plant 2,400 new trees, having been selected to join the Massachusetts Department of Conservation and Recreation (DCR) Greening the Gateway Cities Tree Planting Program.
DCR foresters will plant 2,000 new trees on private property throughout Salem and 400 on city property, with the first 40 city trees to be planted along Lafayette Street and Bridge Street this spring.
Residents who live in the designated planting zone for the program can have trees planted in their yard at no cost, as long as they are committed to watering their new trees. To find out if a location is in the planting zone, visit https://www.maurbancanopy.org/town/salem/ and enter the address. If eligible, residents can request a free tree by calling the DCR forester phone number listed on that same page.
Lt. Gov. Karyn Polito said that the addition of Salem, and other cities, into the Greening the Gateway Cities Program further enhances environmental resources and invests in the future.
“We look forward to working with these cities to plant thousands of trees, delivering significant benefits to residents in these communities and helping the Commonwealth make progress toward its long-term climate goals,” she said.
DCR works with 18 Gateway Cities throughout the Commonwealth to increase tree canopy cover in urban residential areas. This program is designed to bring energy efficiency and environmental benefits of a healthy tree canopy to Gateway Cities.
Energy and Environmental Affairs Secretary Kathleen Theoharides said that the expansion of this program improves equity in communities with significantly less greenery and shade and improves the quality of life for residents by providing cooler neighborhoods and lowering energy bills.
“A significant expansion in trees also means cleaner air, less flooding, more beautiful neighborhoods, and a boost to the local economy by creating jobs at local nurseries and within the neighborhoods for tree planting,” she stated.
Increased tree canopy also reduces stormwater runoff, improves air quality, increases property values, and creates a safer, healthier environment for residents.
Salem Mayor Kim Driscoll noted that Salem’s commitment to our public trees has grown substantially over the last few years.
“From major increases in our tree budget, to the comprehensive tree ordinance and new Tree Commission, to our city-wide tree inventory and maintenance plan,” she said. “We are committed to keeping our community green to address air quality, water resources, personal health and well-being, energy use, and protection against extreme heat and flooding.”
Driscoll said that she is pleased that Salem is one of the 18 municipalities selected for the program and the city plans to remain dedicated to their keeping tree canopy flourishing throughout the community.
Salem Sound Coastwatch (salemsound.org), a local non-profit partner, is assisting with outreach of this project to encourage people to sign up for trees, learn about tree care and become tree stewards. Cities and non-profits have been encouraged to restore vacant lots for tree planting.
Gov. Charlie Baker said increasing tree cover in Gateway Cities helps to both address climate change and create a healthier environment for urban residents.
Salem also received funding to support public tree planting with the removal of pavement and other impervious material, and the addition of soils and permeable material.
“The Greening the Gateway Cities Program serves as an excellent example of a strong partnership between state government, local municipalities, and dedicated organizations working together to benefit Massachusetts residents for generations to come,” Baker said.
Residents who do not live in the program’s planting zone but are interested in requesting a street tree be planted on city property at their address can do so by using the Tree Planting Request on See Click Fix.
Allysha Dunnigan can be reached at [email protected].
