Esplanade Tree Pruning Work to Start Tuesday, December 19

Have you ever noticed downed tree limbs after a big storm? Strong winds and heavy rain/snow can damage trees, especially those that are older or structurally weak. An essential way to keep trees healthy and safe for Park users is pruning! Through a collaborative process involving the Department of Conservation and Recreation (DCR), the Esplanade Association (EA) annually contracts with local tree care experts to complete pruning work in accordance with the most recent American National Standards Institute (ANSI) standards for tree care.

Starting today, until the beginning of January, Bartlett Tree Experts will be in the Park pruning trees between the Union Boat House and Community Boating Inc. This section of the Esplanade contains some of the Park’s oldest trees—those that pose the greatest safety risks from falling limbs. Safety is our priority and pedestrian and bicycle traffic will be redirected away from active work areas as needed.

Bartlett’s work will result in approximately 48% of the Park’s trees being pruned since EA’s Tree Pruning Program began in 2015. EA’s horticulture staff will be supplementing Bartlett’s work by pruning small trees and shrubs this winter. An additional Request for Proposals (RFP) will be issued for pruning work in the early months of 2018, and EA will continue to contract for pruning throughout the Park as our budget allows.

This pruning work is part of EA’s larger strategy to care for Park trees. During Fall 2017, EA hired Kyle Zick Landscape Architecture (KZLA), to develop a comprehensive Tree Care Management and Succession Plan. The plan will build off of an existing tree inventory completed in 2015 to create a multi-year maintenance plan and diversified tree planting plan. Stay tuned for more information – presentation of a draft plan will be announced in early 2018.

Are you interested in supporting tree care? Donate here.

Together with your support, we are ensuring a healthy tree canopy for future generations!