Comments on: Dead Trees in Boston

By: Hal Shurtleff

Hal Shurtleff — Thu, 25 Jun 2009 19:56:54 +0000

It was interesting to hear from Mr. Mosman explain that the results of some dead trees was to due “unusually cold nights.”

By: G Mosman

G Mosman — Wed, 03 Jun 2009 13:13:53 +0000

I believe the unusually cold nights we have experienced this spring have caused dieback of new growth on some of our trees. I think the trees will rebound from the damage and be ok in the long run.

As far as trees dying at an alarming rate, I’m not sure that is an accurate assessment. Every spring we discover some trees haven’t made it through the winter for various reasons. This spring hasn’t shown a spike in removal requests by any means, its business as usual at the Parks department.

I am always available if anyone has any specific questions regarding trees and can be reached at 617-635-7275.

Greg Mosman, MCA
City Arborist/Tree Warden
Boston Parks and Recreation

By: Katie

Katie — Tue, 02 Jun 2009 22:58:53 +0000

I also have dead trees over in Oak Square in Brighton. Looks like bugs perhaps? The leaves look like they are being eaten. I put in a “tree request” through the number listed by Penny to have someone come out and investigate. I am no ecologist, but the trees affected seem to be a mix of species.

By: John Doe

John Doe — Mon, 01 Jun 2009 14:00:44 +0000

Possibly due to winter damage. There were some very extreme cold snaps this winter, and I’ve seen several trees that budded out slowly or only partially. Trees that were in already marginal locations may have suffered.

By: Penny

Penny — Sun, 31 May 2009 19:38:38 +0000

One more thing, see if you can get folks to water the trees. That’s important and we were low on water this month. That could be a factor.

Here’s the city link on how we can care for street trees.

http://www.cityofboston.gov/parks/streettrees/current_tips.asp

By: Penny

Penny — Sun, 31 May 2009 19:36:54 +0000

I think the Boston Tree Warden would love to see your map and would appreciate a call. I don’t have his email but I do have his phone. (617) 635.7275

I’ll forward your link to the Parks Department and see if they can get it to him.

Thanks for all the work you put into this and for the alert for all of us.

By: fignaz

fignaz — Sun, 31 May 2009 17:03:09 +0000

Have you noticed any small green caterpillars hanging off some of the trees? It’s had to tell exactly from the photos, but some of the trees look like they were stripped by the leaf-eating winter moth caterpillars. If that’s the case, the might not be dead & will grow a new set of leaves in time.

By: John

John — Sun, 31 May 2009 14:13:48 +0000

Hi Susan,

I’m with a local TV station and I’m interested in talking to you about this story. Can you email me? I’ve included my email address in the head of the comment.

Thanks