Landscape Restoration

Over the last several years, TEA has been working with the Department of Conservation and Recreation (DCR) on planning for the healthy future of the Esplanade’s trees.

TEA partners with the DCR on priority tree removals, and has been taking steps to ensure that fewer trees reach the point where they become a danger by funding maintenance-standard tree pruning, such as the Boston Tree Company who focussed on the removal of deadwood, low-hanging branches, and limbs that blocked lights and limited safe visibility.

Project Background

Restoring and renewing the historic landscape is a top priority for the Esplanade Association. Because of the urgent needs on the Esplanade, several specific projects were undertaken while long-range plans are being developed.

TEA commissioned a comprehensive tree inventory for the parkland, partially funded by the Garden Club of the Back Bay and the Beacon Hill Garden Club. A combination of high-tech GPS positioning and skilled horticultural analysis will provide us with the location, species, and condition of every tree on the Esplanade. From the data will come recommendations for removal, maintenance, and replanting to ensure the health of these valuable assets.
Watering vegetation on the Esplanade is an ongoing problem. A grant from the Boston Committee of the Garden Club of America allowed us to purchase an irrigation pumping system that uses Charles River water to irrigate plantings. Our long-range goals include the installation of accessible water sources throughout the park.
The Storrow Memorial, located adjacent to the historic granite landing at Gloucester Street, was in desperate need of attention. Overgrown trees and root-bound beds called for immediate action. Landscape architect Clara Batchelor worked with association leaders to develop a new planting design for the area. The state assisted in the removal of the old plantings and placement of new trees, shrubs, and spring bulbs.
An unnecessary asphalt circular path, near the statue of Arthur Fielder, was removed, the turf replaced, dead trees removed, and others pruned. This area is now restored to open space. New trees will be added in the future.
As part of the construction of the Stoneman Playground, dead trees were removed in the area, and existing trees were given a sanitary and structural pruning to improve their health and to allow more light into the play area. The new design included the planting of new trees and shrubs.
The tulips you see in front of the Hatch Shell each spring are planted by association volunteers in memory of those who lost their lives in the 9/11 terrorist attacks. In 2002, Merrill Lynch employees who spent a day of service in the park planted the bulbs.

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The Esplanade Association
10 Derne Street
Boston, MA 02114
617.227.0365