Forestry

a file

Responsibilities

The Forestry Division maintains over 7,000 street trees within or urban forest. The forestry division handles street tree pruning, tree planting and removal of dead street trees with the assistance of the Tree Warden.

Tree Warden

Since the late 1890s, by the General Laws in Massachusetts, every city and town is required to have a Tree Warden.  The Tree Warden enforces the Public Shade Tree Law (Massachusetts General Laws Chapter 87) in Watertown, including the planting, care, maintenance, and removal of Public Shade Trees.

Spotted Lanternfly

The Mass. Dept. of Agricultural Resources (MDAR) recently confirmed an infestation of the invasive insect known as spotted lanternfly (SLF) in Watertown. A survey team followed up on a report that came in from Mount Auburn Cemetery and confirmed that the insects were present. The full extent of the infestation is not know yet, only a preliminary survey has been done so far.

Spotted lanternfly is a pest that attacks tree-of-heaven, grapevines, maple trees, hops vines, and many other types of plants. This pest is known to impact grape/wine producers and other agricultural commodities, and can also interfere with outdoor recreation if infestations reach high levels, due to the swarming behavior of adult SLF in late summer and fall. That said, the insects themselves do not bite or sting - they are a nuisance because they gather in large numbers in areas where people are, and cover anything they are on with a sticky, sugary waste product known as honeydew.

Read more information about the spotted lanternfly (PDF).

Public Shade Tree Removal

The City of Watertown does not remove public shade trees without good reason. The City will not remove trees because they drop leaves, fruit, or acorns, because it has grown too large or shades a private lawn, or because it is not conveniently located. The removal of public shade trees requires a public hearing with the Tree Warden consistent with Massachusetts General Law Ch.87.

How to Request the Removal of a Public Shade Tree

If you wish to pursue the removal of a public shade tree you may begin by submitting a written request to the Tree Warden, which must state your name and address, the location of the tree you are requesting be removed, and the reason for the request. This will then begin the process, which will include a public hearing, and culminate in a decision by the Tree Warden either approving or denying the requested removal.

Massachusetts General Laws Chapter 87, Section 3 (Public Shade Tree Law) defines all trees within a public way or on the boundaries thereto as public shade trees. If it is doubtful whether the tree is within the public way, it shall be taken to be within the public way until the contrary is shown. Public shade trees cannot be cut, trimmed or removed without a prior written permit from the Tree Warden after a Public Hearing duly advertised.

Contact Us

Michael
Micieli

Title
Supervisor - Forestry / Tree Warden
Email

Email Michael Micieli

Phone
617-972-6420 ext. 13109

Public Works

Email

Email Public Works 

Phone
617-972-6420
Fax
617-972-6402
Address
124 Orchard St
Watertown, MA 02472-1816
Link to Map
Hours

DPW hours:
Monday through Friday
7:00 am to 3:30 pm

Public Works Staff Directory

The City of Watertown Planted 163 trees during the Fall 2024 planting season. The map below provides details about location and species planted. Additionally, one hundred of our trees have been planted with funding from the U.S. Forest Service, facilitated by our pass-through partner organization, the Hispanic Access Foundation. These trees have been planted in underserved areas of the city that have been identified as environmental justice populations. These trees can be seen highlighted green on the map.

The City of Watertown Planted 177 trees during the Spring 2024 planting season. The map below provides details about location and species planted.

The City of Watertown Planted 227 trees during the Fall 2023 planting season. The map below provides details about location and species planted.

The City of Watertown Planted 125 trees during the Spring 2023 planting season. The map below provides details about location and species planted.

The City of Watertown Planted 162 trees during the Fall 2022 planting season. The map below provides details about location and species planted.