Mayor Scott Avedisian today announced his intention to expand the city’s tree planting program and has asked City Councilors Sue Stenhouse and Tim Lee to docket legislation to that effect at the next council meeting.

Avedisian is proposing an initiative, similar to those in place in Sandwich, Massachusetts and Jamestown, Rhode Island, which would allow the city’s landscape design division to inventory, and document, appropriate city-owned parcels and determine what types of trees would be most suitable for planting in each location.

It would also create a tree sponsorship program, whereby trees could be purchased in memory, or in honor, of someone and planted on city property. Commemorative plaques would also be available for installation near the trees. Funds raised from the sponsorships would be deposited into a tree trust fund to further tree planting and protection throughout the city, Avedisian said.

Return to Main