Melrose’s ‘Tree Belt’ Will Grow To Include 100 More Trees This Spring

MELROSE, MA – Melrose’s Department of Public Works is set to plant approximately 100 trees on the city’s “tree belt” this spring.

Each year, the city’s Street 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 tree warden, and almost always on public property.

Since the program was established in 2016, more than 700 trees have been planted across Melrose in the fall and spring seasons.

The trees not only improve the appearance of the city, but they also reduce urban “heat sink” effects and help lessen the impacts of carbon loading and climate change.

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 one and two years. Ahead of requesting a tree, residents should review the city’s list of approved trees. To request a tree, Melrose community members can call the DPW at 781- 665-0142.

Residents will receive a letter in the mail when they have been selected as potential tree recipients. The final location of a tree will be determined by the tree warden.