Northampton reports 69 trees planted this fall; replacement rate and watering challenges highlighted
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Summary
Staff reported 69 trees planted in nine sessions this fall with a higher-than-normal replacement percentage attributed to drought, stock quality and soil compaction; the commission also learned of a breeding population of spotted lanternfly in the city.
Jen, the commission’s planting coordinator, reported the fall planting program and survival concerns.
Jen said, "We planted total of 69 trees, in 9 different plantings," and described site breakdowns: 3 trees in tree belts, 20 in setbacks, 8 in right-of-way, and 11 in parking-lot/parklet or small urban green spaces including Armory Street, Sojourner Truth Parklet and Florence Field. She estimated about 20 trees placed within a quarter‑mile of downtown to address heat‑island effects.
Staff attributed the higher replacement rate this fall to a late-season drought, watering challenges (stressed DPW staffing), some poor root‑ball quality, compacted soils at sites such as Ridgeview Road, and overwintering stock issues. Jen described adjustments made this season — limited planting in September due to dryness and switching to watering devices (tree‑diapers) — and flagged a need to match species and site conditions more closely.
Jen also reported an established breeding population of spotted lanternfly in Northampton and recommended continuing monitoring and outreach. The commission discussed student and volunteer engagement, including a high‑school intern assisting with pruning and siting, and proposals to involve school teams in stewardship or to 'name' trees to boost local investment.
Commissioners discussed planned spring plantings (JFK park areas, cemetery fences and basketball court beds) and soil decompaction and mulching prescriptions for high‑stress sites. Rich Parish (Tree Warden) proposed a Dec. 2 Zoom pruning seminar and roll‑out discussions for a volunteer maintenance program.