Newton neighborhoods have until Dec. 13 to apply for free spring street trees

Newton residents who want free street trees planted on their block have until Dec. 13 to sign up as neighborhood team leaders for the Newton Tree Conservancy's spring planting.

The all-volunteer nonprofit is recruiting leaders for its 2027 Spring Community Tree Planting, scheduled for Saturday, May 1, 2027. Each leader must gather at least five households within a few blocks and identify eight or more spots on the berm, the grass strip between the sidewalk and the street, where new trees can go, according to the Newton Tree Conservancy's website.

The trees are free.

Once a leader forms a group and picks a name for it, each homeowner in the group submits a separate application listing that group name, Fig City News reported. Residents who don't know their neighbors well can download a "Dear Neighbor Letter" template from the conservancy's site to introduce themselves and explain the program.

The conservancy selects tree species that will grow as large as each spot allows, maximizing future canopy. Species choices are made in consultation with Newton's Director of Urban Forestry, factoring in utility wires and other site conditions.

On planting day, city forestry staff pre-dig the holes. Volunteers help plant, hold trees upright, or water. No digging ability is required. In return, tree recipients commit to watering their tree once a week for two years, from mid-April through mid-November, using an irrigation bag the conservancy provides.

The Newton Tree Conservancy, led by President Douglas Herrick, has planted more than 2,700 trees across Newton since its founding in 2008. The group plants roughly 300 trees a year, split between spring and fall rounds, though that pace depends on donations. Marc Welch, the city's Deputy Commissioner of Parks and Recreation and head of the Division of Urban Forestry, serves as an ex officio member.

Newton's street tree count has dropped sharply over the decades. A 2017 Massachusetts Municipal Association report noted the city had about 20,000 street trees, roughly half the number from the late 1970s, and set a goal of 30,000 to 35,000 by 2030.

Applications and program details are posted at newtontreeconservancy.org/plantings.