Forestry FAQs

How does the City respond to downed trees during a storm?

We will remove all trees downed on City roads. If a tree falls from a resident’s front yard, we will clean the tree from the road, but it is the resident’s responsibility to clean up their tree. If a tree is in any wires, the City will not touch that tree. The City will wait for Eversource to remove the tree from the wires. Following this, the City will remove the tree from the road. Please report issues on the SeeClickFix website, download the Watertown App and report via "Report Issues with the + button" on your smartphone to report a down tree (or tree limb).

What is a public shade tree?

All trees within a public way or on the boundaries thereof as defined by Massachusetts General Law. Please read Chapter 87: Shade Trees of the Massachusetts General Law in its entirety.

May I prune or remove a public shade tree?

No, public shade trees shall not be cut, trimmed, or removed, in whole or in part, by any person other than the Tree Warden or his designee.

How do I get a public shade tree planted in front of my house?

Please report issues on the SeeClickFix website, download the Watertown App and report via "Report Issues with the + button" on your smartphone, or email the Tree Warden (with subject line: “New Tree Planting Request”) to request a public shade tree in front of your house or in your front yard. Once a location and tree species  are approved by the Tree Warden, the City will pay for the tree and install the tree. The homeowner is responsible for watering the tree following installation.

How do I get a public shade tree trimmed?

Please report issues on the SeeClickFix website, download the Watertown App and report via "Report Issues with the + button" on your smartphone, or email the Tree Warden (with subject line “Prune Tree”).

How do I remove a public shade tree?

Please report issues on the SeeClickFix website, download the Watertown App and report via "Report Issues with the + button" on your smartphone, or email the Tree Warden (with subject line: “Remove Dead Tree”).

How does the City respond to downed trees during a storm?

We will remove all trees downed on City roads. If a tree falls from a resident’s front yard, we will clean the tree from the road, but it is the resident’s responsibility to clean up their tree. If a tree is in any wires, the City will not touch that tree. The City will wait for Eversource to remove the tree from the wires. Following this, the City will remove the tree from the road. Please report issues on the SeeClickFix website, download the Watertown App and report via "Report Issues with the + button" on your smartphone to report a down tree (or tree limb).

What is a public shade tree?

All trees within a public way or on the boundaries thereof as defined by Massachusetts General Law. Please read Chapter 87: Shade Trees of the Massachusetts General Law in its entirety.

May I prune or remove a public shade tree?

No, public shade trees shall not be cut, trimmed, or removed, in whole or in part, by any person other than the Tree Warden or his designee.

How do I get a public shade tree planted in front of my house?

Please report issues on the SeeClickFix website, download the Watertown App and report via "Report Issues with the + button" on your smartphone, or email the Tree Warden (with subject line: “New Tree Planting Request”) to request a public shade tree in front of your house or in your front yard. Once a location and tree species  are approved by the Tree Warden, the City will pay for the tree and install the tree. The homeowner is responsible for watering the tree following installation.

How do I get a public shade tree trimmed?

Please report issues on the SeeClickFix website, download the Watertown App and report via "Report Issues with the + button" on your smartphone, or email the Tree Warden (with subject line “Prune Tree”).

How do I remove a public shade tree?

Please report issues on the SeeClickFix website, download the Watertown App and report via "Report Issues with the + button" on your smartphone, or email the Tree Warden (with subject line: “Remove Dead Tree”).