Frequently Asked Questions

How can a homeowner apply and receive a tree from Newton Tree Conservancy?

Homeowners may apply for a tree with their neighbors by visiting Plant a Tree on our website. Neighborhood groups with applications for at least 8 trees and 5 homeowners will receive priority.

Why can't I request trees just for my house and not be part of a group?

The Newton Tree Conservancy is a small, independent and private nonprofit that receives no direct funding from the City of Newton. We do not have the personnel, tree storage facilities or equipment which would be required to make the proper preparations, planting and ongoing tree maintenance of individual tree requests. We also consider the community building which accompanies the group planting activity to be an important part of our mission. 

What is the difference between the City of Newton planting a tree on the berm in front of my house and a Newton Tree Conservancy planting?

The City of Newton plants trees throughout the city to address areas and neighborhoods that need assistance to develop a fuller tree canopy. The city also responds to individual homeowner requests to have trees planted on the berms in front of their homes. However, there is a significant wait list for these requests and homeowners can expect a long wait (years) to have trees planted.  The city assumes responsibility for the watering of trees for the first two growing seasons for trees they plant.

The Newton Tree Conservancy is a private, non-profit organization that organizes neighborhood groups twice a year to plant trees on the berms in their neighborhood. The Newton Tree Conservancy funds the planting of these trees. Since berms are public property, the Newton Tree Conservancy works with the City of Newton to verify tree planting locations are in accordance with city guidelines. The city also lends assistance in digging the holes for tree planting. Homeowners assume responsibility for watering trees for the first two growing seasons for trees they plant.

As part of a neighborhood group, homeowners may submit an application for a Newton Tree Conservancy tree by visiting Plant a Tree on our website. Neighborhood groups with applications for at least 8 trees and 5 homeowners will receive priority. Typically, the Newton Tree Conservancy plant trees within 6 months of receiving a neighborhood group request.

Do homeowners have to pay for Newton Tree Conservancy trees?

There is no cost to homeowners for trees planted by the Newton Tree Conservancy. However, the Newton Tree Conservancy appreciates donations to allow us to continue to plant trees throughout the City of Newton.

What kind of trees does the Newton Tree Conservancy plant?

Below are listed some of the top species the Newton Tree Conservancy plants:

American Elm
American Linden
Hophornbeam
London Planetree
Pin Oak
Pink Flair Cherry
Redbud
Red Oak
Serviceberry
Spring Snow Crabapple
Swamp White Oak
Yellowwood

In cooperation with the City of Newton, we try to use as many different types so that the street tree population is diverse. We do try to spread out what we use so there is not any one type concentrated in the same area. 

Oftentimes the trees we plant are dictated by what is available at the nursery.

Can I choose what kind of tree I receive?

The variety of trees that are planted is dictated by the presence of overhead telephone wires, site lines to street and driveways and other factors such as availability at the nursery when trees are ordered months ahead of planting. In addition, we do not have the storage facilities to stockpile multiple different types of varieties to respond to individual requests.

Why did the Newton Tree Conservancy disqualify a tree planting location at my home due to a gas leak?

While qualifying a tree planting location at your home, the Newton Tree Conservancy detected a gas leak reading above the value that has proven to harm trees. Your gas utility company (“the utility”) might classify this leak as non-hazardous to life or property, and thus the utility might not prioritize the leak for repair. While we understand this, the Newton Tree Conservancy knows that trees planted in locations with readings similar to yours typically die within a few years of planting. The Newton Tree Conservancy would very much like to plant a tree at your home, though you will need to assume responsibility for contacting the utility to repair the leak we detected. Once the gas leak is repaired by the utility, you may submit a new tree application with the Newton Tree Conservancy. The Newton Tree Conservancy will retest the berm location for gas levels prior to the next planting day and if the location passes, a tree will be planted in that location.

How do you plant bare root trees?

To learn how to plant bare root trees, visit How to Plant Bare Root Trees.

How do you plant containerized trees?

To learn how to plant containerized trees, visit How to Plant Containerized Trees.

Should homeowners prune the trees planted by Newton Tree Conservancy?

No. The Newton Tree Conservancy trains volunteers to prune trees properly in accordance with city guidelines for age and varieties of the trees. If homeowners have questions about the care of the trees in front of their home or believe a tree needs pruning, please contact us at newtontreeconservancy@gmail.com. 

How do I volunteer at the Newton Tree Conservancy?

You may register your interest in volunteering by visiting Volunteer. Volunteers are needed on planting days and to be trained as Newton Tree Conservancy pruners. In addition, we are also in need of administrative, technology and marketing support.