Creatively Expanding the Urban Forest

• Programs like Forest Friends and Water by Bike Tree Ambassadors are helping to ensure the health of newly planted trees.  

In 2019, the City of Cambridge completed its Urban Forestry Master Plan (UFMP). Meeting 11 times during 2018 and 2019, its Task Force contained 18 private citizens representing residents of Cambridge, subject-matter experts, local institutions, and business groups. The Task Force developed a Technical Report to advise stakeholders on data-driven solutions for preserving and expanding the urban forest and achieving developed goals. Equity, resilience, and shared responsibility were key tenets of the UFMP’s action steps.  

One action recommended in the UFMP was improved promotion and rebranding of our existing “Adopt a Tree” program. The Forest Friends program was relaunched in April 2021 to engage more residents in the stewardship of Cambridge’s trees. Residents are encouraged to sign up for the program and commit to caring for the tree(s) adjacent to their residences.  

Program participants receive a monthly e-newsletter with reminders and recommendations on caring for and watering trees. After the rebranding was undertaken back in April 2021, there has been a 73 percent increase in the number of trees residents have committed to caring for compared to the same timeframe before the rebranding.  

Urban Forestry continues its efforts to expand participation in the Forest Friends Program. This supplemental tree watering and care program is efficient and minimized our carbon footprint since water isn't hauled around the City from tree to tree in trucks. Participants increase a tree's ability to survive in harsh urban growing conditions.  

During the summer months, the Urban Forestry Department also employs six to eight Water by Bike Tree Ambassadors. Interns use bicycles loaded with hoses and then access fire hydrants to water newly planted trees. Teams of two or three are assigned watering tasks on iPads in Cartegraph, an asset management software utilized by Public Works, to track progress and provide a map for planning routes. During a growing season that has unusually high rainfall totals, like this past summer, Water by Bike Tree Ambassadors focus on removing weeds from tree wells. Weeds compete with newly planted trees for water and nutrients. Weeds often obstruct bicycle and pedestrian travel. Ambassadors also engage with residents throughout the day to promote the Forest Friends Program and encourage residents to care for newly planted trees.  

When asked what the most rewarding part of being a Water by Bike Tree Ambassador was, Hazen Emerson, who worked the last two summers in the program and is now the program supervisor, said: “I love looking after the trees in Cambridge. I grew up in Cambridge, and it feels great to look after Cambridge’s urban forest, and it’s a great way to get involved in the community. I get to meet so many people every day who are thankful that we are looking after the trees and are excited to talk about trees and what we are doing in general.”  

The City is committed to reaching the goal of planting 1,250 trees per year as recommended in the Urban Forestry Master Plan. Both the Forest Friends and Water by Bike programs are essential to ensuring the survivability of newly planted trees.