Do you want more shade on summer afternoons and a stronger first impression from the street? In West Roxbury, a healthy canopy adds comfort and character to your block, and it starts with the trees in the public right-of-way. If you have wondered how to get a street tree planted out front, you are not alone.
This guide walks you through how to request a public tree through Boston’s BOS:311 system, what species the City typically plants, and simple first-season care that helps a young tree thrive. You will also see who handles costs and permits, plus realistic timelines to green your block. Let’s dive in.
Request a street tree through BOS:311
Boston handles street-tree requests through BOS:311. You can submit a request online, by phone, or through the app. The City’s Forestry Division reviews locations and schedules plantings for spring or fall when conditions are right.
The step-by-step process
- Step 1: Submit your request. Include the address, a clear photo of the parkway between curb and sidewalk, and whether you need a new planting or a replacement. You can submit a request through BOS:311.
- Step 2: City review. Forestry confirms the spot is in the public right-of-way and checks for space, utilities, and safety.
- Step 3: Site inspection. A visit may be scheduled to confirm feasibility and discuss planting options.
- Step 4: Scheduling. Approved sites go on the planting list for the next suitable season, usually spring or fall.
- Step 5: Planting. City crews or partners install the tree, then coordinate early watering and monitoring with neighbors or volunteers when possible.
What to include in your request
- Exact address and clear, recent photos of the parkway or tree bed.
- Whether there is an existing pit or no tree at all.
- Noted constraints: overhead wires, light poles, driveways, utility boxes, narrow sidewalks, or corner sight lines.
- If asking for a replacement, when the previous tree was removed.
Eligibility and common reasons for denial
- The spot is not in the public right-of-way.
- Underground or overhead utility conflicts or insufficient soil volume.
- Safety or sightline issues near intersections or driveways.
- Limited funding or an existing planting plan for the block.
Timing you can expect
- Initial review: days to a few weeks.
- Inspection and scheduling: weeks to months.
- Planting: typically in spring or fall, often several months to a year or more depending on season, backlog, and budget.
- Replacement requests may be prioritized, although municipal schedules guide final timing.
Who maintains a new street tree
Boston owns and maintains public trees long term. In the first one to three growing seasons, you should expect to help with watering. City partners and volunteers often support early care, and you can volunteer with Tree Boston to join neighborhood efforts.
What the City typically plants
Species selection is site specific. Forestry considers rooting space, soil conditions, overhead wires, salt exposure, and streetscape goals. The City favors a resilient mix of species, combining durable canopy trees with smaller ornamentals where space is tight.
Commonly used street-tree choices
- London plane (Platanus): large canopy, tolerant of compacted soils and urban conditions. Best for wider parkways.
- Maples (Acer): site dependent, often selected for growth rate and fall color. Some varieties are salt sensitive.
- Linden (Tilia): hardy, clean form, performs well in urban settings.
- Honeylocust (Gleditsia): airy canopy, good in compacted soils with limited rooting volume.
- Oaks (Quercus): strong long-term canopy, some species handle urban stress.
- River birch (Betula nigra): good for wetter sites with attractive bark.
- Small ornamentals like crabapple (Malus), redbud (Cercis), and serviceberry (Amelanchier): used in narrow strips for spring bloom and habitat value.
- Ginkgo: extremely tolerant of pollution and pruning, selected for specific sites.
How site constraints guide species
- Narrow parkways under four feet: smaller-stature or columnar trees.
- Overhead wires: wire-friendly, low-rise species only.
- Heavy winter salt: favor salt-tolerant trees such as honeylocust or London plane along salted corridors.
- Shade from buildings or mature trees: select species that handle reduced light.
If you have a preferred species, you can note it in your request. Forestry will confirm suitability and propose alternatives if needed. For the most current planting list and policies, consult the City’s Forestry Division resources and Tree Boston updates before the season begins.
First-season care that makes the difference
Your early care helps a young tree establish roots and beat summer heat. A simple routine, done consistently, can raise survival and keep the block looking great.
Watering basics
- Water deeply once or twice a week in dry periods during the first one to three years.
- Use a watering bag, a slow-trickle hose, or a bucket with small holes to soak the root zone.
- Avoid blasting the trunk with a high-pressure stream.
- Coordinate with neighbors so new trees receive steady care during heat waves.
Mulch done right
- Spread 2 to 3 inches of organic mulch across the bed for moisture retention and temperature moderation.
- Pull mulch a few inches back from the trunk. Avoid mulch piles that touch the bark.
Staking, pruning, and protection
- If installed, stakes should be flexible and gentle. Remove within one to two growing seasons once the tree is stable.
- Do not over-prune in year one. Remove only dead or clearly damaged branches. Leave structural pruning to City crews or a certified arborist as directed by Forestry.
- In winter, watch for salt and plow damage. Temporary guards can help in the first seasons. Avoid anything that constricts the trunk.
When to report a problem
- Wilting or leaf scorch despite watering.
- Trunk damage from vehicles, plows, or vandalism.
- Signs of significant pests or disease.
Use BOS:311 to request an inspection so Forestry can respond.
Roles, costs, permits, and timelines
Understanding who does what keeps the process smooth and compliant.
Who pays and what you do
- Street trees in the public parkway are owned and funded by the City. Budgets and planting slots are limited, so patience helps.
- You and your neighbors contribute time by watering and light stewardship in the first seasons. Volunteer programs can support this effort.
Permits and what not to do
- Do not prune, remove, or plant in the public right-of-way without City permission. Use BOS:311 for official requests.
- If you want to plant on your own property near the sidewalk, check with Forestry to avoid conflicts with infrastructure.
A realistic timeline to green your block
- Immediate actions, days to weeks: submit BOS:311 requests, share the request number with neighbors, and join volunteer rosters for watering.
- Short term, 3 to 12 months: City review, inspection, and placement on the planting list. Planting may occur in the next spring or fall if schedules align.
- Medium term, 1 to 3 years: multiple trees installed across the block as funding and seasons allow. Trees begin to establish and provide comfort and visual cohesion.
- Long term, 3+ years: a noticeable increase in shade and curb appeal, with canopy benefits growing over time.
A simple block strategy for West Roxbury
- Map your parkways. Identify wider spots for larger canopy trees and narrower strips for ornamentals.
- Submit together. Encourage multiple BOS:311 requests on your block to make scheduling and volunteer support easier.
- Diversify. Aim for a mix of canopy and ornamental species to strengthen resilience and visual interest.
- Adopt and rotate. Create a watering rota for the first two to three summers so no new tree is overlooked during dry spells.
- Keep beds tidy. Refresh mulch thinly each spring and remove trash or weeds to maintain a clean, cared-for look.
Next steps
If you want more shade and stronger curb appeal in West Roxbury, start with a BOS:311 request and recruit a few neighbors to help with watering this season. A small effort now sets up your block for years of comfort and beauty.
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FAQs
How do I request a new street tree in West Roxbury?
- Submit a “plant a new street tree” request through BOS:311 with the address, photos of the parkway, and any site details like wires or driveways.
What tree species does the City of Boston usually plant on streets?
- The City selects species based on site conditions and resilience, often using London plane, linden, honeylocust, oaks, and small ornamentals where space is tight.
How long does it take to get a street tree planted?
- After review and inspection, planting generally occurs in spring or fall and can take several months to more than a year depending on backlog and funding.
Who waters and maintains a new street tree?
- The City maintains public trees long term, while neighbors and volunteers typically handle regular watering during the first one to three growing seasons.
Can I choose the species for my street tree?
- You can note a preferred species in your request, and Forestry will confirm suitability or recommend alternatives that fit the site.
What should I do if a new tree looks stressed or damaged?
- Report issues such as wilting, trunk injury, or pest concerns through BOS:311 so Forestry can inspect and respond.
