The Tree Department uses the designation of “Urban Forest” to convey the department’s conception of its role in protecting and servicing the natural resources within the Town.
Responsibilities
Planting, care and maintenance of approximately 9,000 shade trees on 72 miles of public ways as well as additional trees and shrubs in parks and on other public grounds. Pruning, removing fallen limbs and trees on public roads, and clearing branches for overhead wires in collaboration with the Municipal Light Department.
Request a Tree
The planting of trees continues throughout the growing season. Residents may make a request for a tree to be planted in front of their home.
Planting of trees will occur in the Spring and Fall seasons only. Watering of the tree by the resident is required.
*Please note: There is a greater need for new and replacement trees than the budget provides.
Frequently Asked Questions
Yes. Contact the Tree Department (781) 631-2721 or file a Public Shade Tree Report on the Tree web page or send an e-mail. Please note, we receive hundreds of calls and have limited manpower so we do not specifically schedule tree work. Priority is given to trees that pose safety concerns.
Yes. Contact the Tree Department (781) 631-2721 or file a Public Shade Tree Report on the Tree Department web page or send an e-mail. Please note, we receive hundreds of calls and have limited manpower so we do not specifically schedule tree work. Priority is given to trees that pose safety concerns.
Shade Tree Regulations can be found on the Tree Department website by clicking here.
Contact the Tree Warden at the Tree Department by phone (781) 631-2721 or file a Public Tree Shade Report on the Tree and Forestry web page or by e-mail. The Town repairs sidewalks damaged by tree roots from Town trees (trees within the right of way). Repairs are made on a priority basis and are completed each year based on funding provided and other considerations. When the repair is made, the tree roots may be cut back and the sidewalk area is replaced in cooperation with the Highway Department. The tree is not cut down. It is a rare case that the Tree Warden would allow a healthy tree to be taken down.
Yes. Contact the Tree Warden at the Tree Department by phone (781) 631-2721 or file a Public Tree Shade Report on the Tree and Forestry Department web page or by emailing TreeDept@marblehead.gov. The Tree Department inspects any tree of concern. We receive hundreds of calls and have limited manpower so we do not specifically schedule tree work. Priority is given to trees that pose safety concerns.
The Marblehead Municipal Light Department should be notified of any problems or concerns with power lines by phone at (781) 631-5600.
There are approximately 9,000 trees in Marblehead.
No. The property owner is allowed to cut back branches that extend over the property line as long as they don’t kill or otherwise damage the tree in accordance with the Massachusetts Tree Cutting Law. If there are any concerns with power lines, contact the Marblehead Municipal Light Department by phone at (781) 631-5600.
No. The property owner is allowed to cut back branches that extend over the property line as long as they don’t kill or otherwise damage the tree in accordance with the Massachusetts Tree Cutting Law. The railroad right of way is managed in sections by the Marblehead Municipal Light Department, the Marblehead Water & Sewer Department and the Marblehead Conservation Commission. Contact the appropriate custodian of the property before work begins. Further, if there are any concerns with power lines, contact the Marblehead Municipal Light Department by phone at (781) 631-5600.
The Tree Department is not responsible for the damage tree roots cause to your private sewer line. Roots enter sewer pipes through a defective sewer pipe – cracks or loose joints in the sewer line. It is your responsibility to keep your private pipes in good condition.