Boston Residents Can Request Trees To Be Planted Outside Their Homes

The city is encouraging residents to request new street trees as part of an ongoing effort to expand and maintain Boston's tree canopy.

By Benjamin Pierce, Patch Staff

Aug 31, 2026 1:47 PM EDT

BOSTON, MA — The city is encouraging residents and property owners to request new street trees as part of an ongoing effort to expand and maintain Boston's urban tree canopy.

Residents can request a tree by calling the Urban Forestry Division at 617-635-TREE (8733), calling 311, or submitting a tree planting request through BOS:311. Requests can be made for existing empty tree pits, while property owners can also ask the city to create a new planting location in the sidewalk. Once a request is submitted, the city will create a case and send an arborist to inspect the proposed location. If approved, a tree will be planted within one year of the case being created. Residents can request a specific species, though the tree must be appropriate for the location and is subject to city approval.

Property owners can also request that a new tree pit be cut into the sidewalk if one does not already exist. Only the owner of the property abutting the sidewalk can make this request. Potential locations must meet several requirements, including generally being at least 10 feet from light poles, driveways, and fire hydrants and between 10 and 20 feet from intersections depending on the direction of traffic. Sidewalks must also generally be at least six feet wide, not including the curb, and the city aims to maintain a five-foot-wide clear path for pedestrians. Tree pits must be at least 24 square feet and are preferably four feet wide and six feet long. Trees also need enough space to grow without interfering with power lines and cannot be planted directly in front of a building entrance.

Boston plants street trees twice each year, with the majority planted during the spring and a limited number planted in the fall. Newly planted trees are covered by a contractor warranty and receive basic maintenance for two years. Contractors water the trees once every two weeks during the growing season, while residents are also encouraged to assist with watering and caring for trees in their neighborhoods. The city remains responsible for the long-term care and maintenance of street trees after they are planted.