Tree Committee

Overview

Welcome! The Lexington Tree Committee is dedicated to the protection, planting, and continued care of Lexington's trees and the enhancement of green spaces.

The Tree Committee has duties and responsibilities relative to the town Tree By-law. The Committee:

Develops rules, regulations, tree inventory, manuals and other data, in conjunction with the Tree Warden
Permits the removal of certain trees on private property upon appeal, by an applicant
Educates the public to promote the purposes and intent of the Tree by-law
Works to find grants or other assistance for the preservation and maintenance of trees

View the Committee Charge (PDF).

Activities

The Tree Committee was established in October 2001 when the town Tree Bylaw came into effect. Recent activities include facilitating spring and fall setback tree planting, working with town to select appropriate trees for street locations, and more.

The Committee helps sponsor Arbor Day celebrations every year at the end of April. Lexington is a many-year recipient of Tree City USA status from the Arbor Day Foundation.

The Committee has written and published a Tree Management Manual (PDF), which contains useful information for residents, builders, and public employees.

Agendas & Minutes

Agendas are available prior to the meetings. Minutes are available following approval.

View Agendas
View Minutes

Members

Members: 7
Appointed by: Select Board
Term: 3 years

Please scroll to the appropriate page in the Committee Member Report.

FAQs

My trees get really chewed up in the spring. What's going on?

It may be the work of Winter Moths.

Can I get the Town to plant a tree in front of my house?

Yes, but maybe not tomorrow. The process for requesting a tree planting:

Street Tree Planting: Let's assume there is no street tree in front of your property. A street tree is usually defined as one in the public Right-of-Way, roughly, between sidewalk and street. Send or bring your request to the attention of the Superintendent of Public Grounds and Tree Warden Christopher Filadoro, Department of Public Works (DPW), phone number 781-274-8300, ext. 8355 (email Christopher Filadoro). The DPW will take a look to see if the planting strip is wide enough - usually 4 feet minimum - or otherwise suitable. If it is, this spot will go on a waiting list for planting.

Front-Yard Planting: If the Right-of-Way is found to be unsuitable, you may request a street tree to be planted on your own property close to the street-side. The Town's Setback Planting Agreement provides for the planting of a tree "off berm" on your property, at no cost to you. You will sign an agreement that you will care for the tree, and at the end of the year, you will assume full ownership and responsibility for it. (If it dies within one year, the Town will replace it.) To request a tree, email Chris Filadoro. Please give your full name, street address, email address and phone number. Prior to the planting season, you will be contacted by a member of the Tree Committee to discuss the tree planting location in the setback area in the front of your property, select a tree from available species at the time, and sign the Setback Agreement Form. All requests will be kept on file. Note: Twenty trees are being planted in the fall of 2011 and the planting lists for the fall and spring of 2012 are filled. Make your request now to be on the waiting list for 2013 and beyond. You could be moved up the list if or when there are openings.

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Tree Committee

Overview

Activities

Agendas & Minutes

Members

Contact Us

Tree Committee

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FAQs

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