MATTAPOISETT — The Town Tree Planting Committee has made changes to two of its policies to get residents planting more trees.

In the past, utilities, sidewalks, and other public features have limited the number of trees that could be planted on town land. A new Street Tree Setback Planting program allows the Tree Warden to plant within 20 feet of the road, if the homeowner approves. Trees are planted at no cost to the residents, and maintained by the town for three years. 

Participating homeowners will sign an agreement with the Town, allowing the Tree Warden to plant on their properties and agreeing to be responsible for the care of the trees after the
three year period is up.

The Tree Planting Committee already had a memorial tree program, which allows residents to commemorate a loved one or special occasion buy buying the town a tree, which is marked with a plaque. The Committee was looking to gradually replace trees at Ned’s Point, and as a result, the town is opening up that space as a possibility for memorial trees. 

The town has already picked the species and location for the trees, and trees at Ned’s Point will not have plaques. Memorial trees generally cost between $250 and $350 depending on the size and type of tree.

For more information, or to express interest any of the Town’s tree planting programs, contact Tree Warden Roland Cote at 508 989-2017 or email the Tree Committee at mattapoisetttreecom@gmail.com.