Eager to learn more about the best way to select, plant, and care for trees? On this page we’ve curated a wealth of knowledge and resources to help you connect, learn, and take action for a greener future.
Table of contents
- Identifying Trees
- Learn about the Benefits of Trees
- Site your Tree
- Select your Tree
- How to Plant Your Tree
- How to Care for Your Tree
- Local Resources
- National Resources
Identifying Trees
Curious to to know what type of tree you’re looking at? Below are some resources that might help you identify the specific species of trees in your yard or street.
Learn About the Benefits of Trees
Trees are community builders. They create green spaces where families and friends gather, fostering a sense of belonging and happiness. Their shade provides relief on hot days, making our neighborhoods more comfortable places to live. They also absorb pollution from the air and reduce stormwater runoff, keeping our air and rivers clean.
And explore these tree tools that measure tree benefits:
How to Site your Tree
Want to plant a tree? Make sure you find the right place for it.
Some questions to ask yourself when looking to plant a tree include:
- How big is the tree going to get?
- How far should I plant the tree from my home’s structure?
- What’s going to survive here over the long term?
- What’s local and native to my community?
- Which tree species specializes in the tree benefit I’m most interested in?
How to Select your Tree
There are hundreds of different species to choose from. Take some time to use the resources below to help you decide which tree you want:
How To Plant Your Tree
Selected your location and the tree? Now you’re ready to plant! Below are some resources to guide you through the planting process:
Learn How to Care for your Tree
Congrats, you’ve selected your site, your tree, and now it’s planted! But, to ensure that your tree survives and thrives, it needs proper care. Some best practices include the mulching, pruning, and watering of your tree. The type of care necessary may vary depending on the species of your tree and the time of year.
Watch the video below by Leaf & Limb for a visual walk-through of best practices:
And read through these two plant care outlines for more in-depth information:
Some Local Tree Resources
Get connected with the urban forestry organizations in the Boston area:
- Massachusetts Department of Conservation & Recreation’s program in Urban and Community Forestry
- Mass Audubon’s Boston Nature Center (Mattapan, MA)
- Tree Eastie (East Boston, MA)
- Lowell Parks and Conservation Trust (Lowell, MA)
Some National Resources
Check out the Alliance for Community Trees‘ Member Directory to find a group near you:
