The Somerville Urban Forestry Committee is continuing its work of managing the city’s trees and shrubs.

By Rachael Hines

Somerville’s Urban Forestry Committee met virtually on Thursday evening, August 19.

The meeting focused on city and private tree removals, planting plans, and their upcoming urban forest management plan. The committee also approved the upcoming removal of three large trees on Irvington Road, as well as plans to remove salt-damaged trees on Grand Union Boulevard.

The committee also discussed their ongoing Adopt-A-Tree program. With this program, Somerville residents can care for, name, and receive updates about trees near their home.

The program helps to encourage community care of young and vulnerable trees, but co-chair and landscape designer Althea Northcross said citizens do not need to be a part of the program to aid Somerville’s forestry.

“Just care for the trees in your yard or park, no matter how old they are,” said Northcross. “We’re looking for any help we can get.”

For more information on the city’s Urban Forestry Committee and its Adopt-A-Tree program, visit them online at https://www.somervillema.gov/departments/urban-forestry-committee.