Landscape Renewal

TEA Funds Critical Tree Work in 2007

Updated 3/2007 - In March, 2007, TEA contracted with Boston Tree Company for three days of tree pruning on the Esplanade.  The work was done on the lagoon islands between Dartmouth Street and Clarendon Street, building on the work done last fall along Storrow Drive. 

Boston Tree Company focused on the removal of deadwood, low-hanging branches, and limbs that blocked lights and limited safe visibility.   A light touch was also given to the crown of each tree, thinning as needed to provide more room to strong structural limbs and neighboring trees.   

A special treatment was given to one of the Esplanade’s most signature willow trees, located in Otis Grove.  As a species, willows display weak wood, but have incredible resiliency and re-sprouting capabilities.  This remarkable tree had taken on a gravity-defying form, made of a hollowed-out trunk and branches of dramatic reach.  In order to maintain the poetry of the tree’s form, while making necessary changes to its structure to ensure pedestrian safety, Boston Tree Company removed targeted branches that gave the tree more balance and stability. 

This work is part of TEA’s continuing efforts to manage, maintain, and enhance the Esplanade’s arboriculture.

Background - TEA has been working with the Department of Conservation and Recreation (DCR) on planning for the healthy future of the Esplanade’s trees.  In 2005, TEA worked with the DCR on priority tree removals.  Approximately 30 dead or diseased trees were cut down and removed from the park. 

In October, 2006, we began taking steps to ensure that fewer trees reach the point where they become a danger by funding maintenance-standard tree pruning.  TEA contracted with skilled arborists who performed crown cleaning, branch lightening, and hazard control pruning as needed in the area between Dartmouth Street and Exeter Street.  Thanks to a generous partnership with local neighbors, this work will fan out from there until all the parks trees have been cared for. 

We will continue to fund tree pruning work through the winter, and will begin tagging the parks trees with their inventory numbers. This will help us work with the DCR to track tree maintenance.  In some cases the trees will also be tagged with their scientific names, thus alerting the public to the richness of our arboretum and providing another level of environmental education on the Esplanade. 

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.

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Header Photo ©2004 Penny Cherubino, (1) Trinidad Rodriguez, (2) Trinidad Rodriguez

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10 Derne Street
Boston, MA 02114
617.227.0365

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