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