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Forestry
What does the Forestry Division do....
The Forestry Division is responsible for the maintenance of trees on public grounds and within the public right-of-way along streets and easements.
The Forestry Division will prune and remove hazardous trees when necessary and replant where appropriate.
Forestry Division also maintains the Compost Center on Strout Avenue.
faq'S
- How do I determine if a tree in front of my house belongs to me or the Town of Reading?
- Who do I call in an emergency if a tree or large limb falls from a Town tree?
- Does the Town have a spray program for gypsy or winter moth?
- What can I do about tree roots pushing up the sidewalk?
- I'm tired of raking leaves and cleaning gutters. Why doesn't the Town do something about its trees?
- Will the DPW plant a tree in front of my house?
- Will the DPW trim or remove the tree in front of my house?
Contact the Department of Public Works at (781) 942-9092 Monday through Friday 7:00 am to 3:00 pm.
Contact the Department of Public Works at (781) 942-9092 Monday through Friday 7:00 am to 3:00 pm.
The Department of Public Works does not have a Town-wide spray program.
Tree roots can certainly contribute to sidewalk failure, but generally do not cause the heaving initially. We do not remove trees solely because of sidewalk failure. You may contact the Department of Public Works at (781) 942-9077 to have the sidewalk inspected. We will work with the Highway Division to repair the sidewalk without compromising the health of the tree.
We do not remove trees for this reason alone. The benefits of shade trees along Town streets‚ shading and cooling your property, regulating the flow of storm water along your street, the aesthetic value‚ far outweigh the work created by fallen leaves.
The Town of Reading has limited resources for tree planting in each fiscal budget. If you wish to have a tree planted, please contact the Forestry Division. We will evaluate your site for suitability and put you on a list for fall planting. If the trees for fall planting are accounted for, you will be placed on the following year's list.
The Forestry Division will evaluate all requests for trimming or removal. We will decide if trimming is adequate. If the tree is deemed hazardous, it may need to be removed. Trees will only be removed if they are dead or determined to be a hazard.
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Michael Hannaford
Forestry Supervisor/Tree WardenPhone: 781-942-9092
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Forestry Division
Physical Address
75 Newcrossing Road
DPW Garage
Reading, MA 01867
Phone: 781-942-9092Fax: 781-942-5441Emergency Phone: Nights, Weekends, Holidays: 781-944-1212
Hours
Monday through Friday
7 am to 3 pm