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THE SETBACK TREES PROJECT

The EarthWorks Setback Tree Project is a tree-planting program that began as a pilot focused
in Jamaica Plain, MA. EarthWorks now works with neighborhood groups, volunteers, and residents to plant trees on private property for the common good. We are currently working in Jamaica Plain, Hyde Park, and northern Roslindale, and expanding into Roxbury.

We are working collaboratively with three key partners towards the goal of increasing canopy cover in Boston through setback trees. The Department of Conservation and Recreation (DCR) is providing the funding, the Urban Ecology Institute (UEI) will provide valuable tree cover data and mapping resources, and JP Trees, our community partner, is working to organize Jamaica Plain residents as tree stewards, advocates and activists who care for and plant community trees.

So far, EarthWorks, JP Trees, and Jamaica Plain have planted more than 100 setback trees in Jamaica Plain in 2007, and we are expanding into parts of Hyde Park and Northern Roslindale. We are currently looking for stewards and planting sites in Roxbury, Hyde Park, Jamaica Plain, and northern Roslindale.

Earthworks will track the health of the trees for five years. Through plantings, education, and outreach, we aim to create neighborhood connections while increasing Boston's urban tree canopy. Most importantly, we anticipate that the project will serve as a replicable model for other communities to use. Despite the focus of planting trees on private property, this project is designed to increase the communal benefits of trees. Overall, we hope to achieve a general improvement of the quality of life in Boston through planting trees.

PROJECT BACKGROUND

Our principle community partner, JP Trees, formed in response to a rash of tree cuttings during recent development projects in Jamaica Plain. The group approached EarthWorks in 2005 for technical help with planting trees in Jamaica Plain. Since inception, JP Trees has promoted tree planting to JP residents and organized two small tree planting drives to match property owners and sites with an appropriate tree in collaboration with EarthWorks.

Our expansion into Hyde Park took off with the support of the Hyde Park YMCA and EarthWorks Youth Environmental Action (YEA) team based there.

Most recently, we partnered with the Archdale Community Center to conduct outreach and plantings in northern Roslindale, also through our YEA program. This neighborhood is a Setback Tree Project target area because it has relatively low tree canopy cover.

PROJECT TIMELINE

After the initial pilot plantings in the fall of 2006, we are now prepared to expand the program and provide trees to other interested residents and businesses in Jamaica Plain, Roxbury and certain locations in Hyde Park and Roslindale. We evaluate each planting site to ensure that we recommend a tree that matches the conditions and space at that site. Site evaluations can be conducted year round. Plantings are scheduled from the end of March through October. Earthworks provides trees, mulch, guidance in planting, and furnish new tree owners with a Tree Care Guide containing tree care instructions and tips, all at no cost to participants.