Protect Newton Trees
In fall 2023, Newton City Council will vote on an updated tree ordinance, but the proposed language would not adequately protect our tree canopy. We urge the City Council to adopt strong measures to protect Newton trees.
Protect Newton Trees!
Take action now:
We have an opportunity to keep Newton green
-
We can strengthen protections for Newton’s trees this fall when the City Council votes on an update to our City’s tree ordinance.
-
Please join us in urging the City Council to adopt strong measures:
-
Protecting all trees 6 inches in diameter and larger the same way across all properties in Newton
-
Requiring both tree replacement and payment into a tree fund
-
-
These strong measures acknowledge the enormous benefits of trees and the costs to neighbors and the City of tree removal.
If you live or work in Newton, take action now:
and ask your friends to sign!
Send an email to the City Council on why protecting trees is important to you:
Send emails to:
-
Programs & Services Clerk, Jaclyn Norton: jnorton@newtonma.gov
-
the full City Council: citycouncil@newtonma.gov
-
copy us (cc or bcc): ProtectNewtonTrees@gmail.com
Best: write the email to the City Council in your own words. (See talking points below.)
Second best: Send the pre-written email below to the City Council.
Talking points to tell the Newton City Council:
-
Thank you for your work on this crucial issue.
-
All trees in Newton, including those in cemeteries, are part of our shared green infrastructure and a public good that must be regulated to protect public health and to mitigate the climate emergency.
-
-
I agree with the new requirements for:
-
a certified arborist
-
protecting abutters’ trees
-
notifying abutters of tree removal applications
-
more replacement trees when larger trees are cut
-
-
I want to see changes in the 8/11 draft to protect more trees:
-
Apply the ordinance to all trees 6-inches in diameter and larger across all land under the City’s jurisdiction
-
Do NOT exempt 1–2 family lots, which make up 53% of land in Newton
-
Do NOT exempt cemeteries, which include 4.5 million square feet of land
-
Require replacement trees AND ALSO payment to the City’s Tree Fund for the costly environmental and health damages done to neighbors by cutting trees
-
Waive such payment only if the tree is dead, diseased, dangerous, or if its removal will help the overall tree canopy (including by removing invasive species)
-
Reduce such payment only for property owners with documented fixed or low incomes, not by exempting all 1–2 family lots that include the wealthiest properties in Newton.
-
