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Chelmsford plants 62 front-yard trees under $50,000 MVP grant; town plans expansion
Summary
The town planted 62 front-yard trees this spring using a $50,000 MVP grant, distributing tree-care kits and targeting native species; 16 additional applicants are on a waiting list and officials plan fall and future plantings.
Chelmsford's pilot front-yard tree program has moved from planning to planted trees: Public Works Director Christine Clancy told the Select Board that 62 trees were selected from 78 applications and planted last week using a $50,000 Municipal Vulnerability Preparedness grant.
Clancy said the program prioritized native species suited to right-of-way adjacency and included outreach, application review and procurement. Each recipient received a tree-care kit (including a soil moisture meter and watering bucket) and guidance on maintenance; the town emphasized resident "adoption" of the trees to ensure survival through summer watering.
Clancy said bids for planting varied and program funding constrained the number of trees the town could accept this season; 16 applicants remain on a waiting list and staff plan to pursue additional funding for fall plantings and future program growth. Peter Spawn of the Tree Committee praised staff outreach and highlighted the program's co-benefits: canopy restoration, habitat, heat mitigation, stormwater mitigation and neighborhood aesthetics.
The Select Board thanked DPW and volunteers and encouraged residents on the waiting list to remain engaged for future rounds.
