Tree Planters Pilot
We're introducing a new kind of tree pit designed to help trees grow stronger and healthier in tough urban conditions.
In some parts of Boston, underground conditions—like shallow soil or buried infrastructure—limit the space available for roots to grow. These conditions make it hard for trees to survive in traditional tree pits. This pilot aims to expand the urban forest in neighborhoods with lower tree canopy, increasing access to shade and the many other benefits trees provide. The pilot aims to:
- Improve shade equity by increasing shade from tree canopy in new locations
- Enhance the aesthetic and environmental quality of the streetscape
- Test the feasibility of using movable planters to accommodate street trees in spaces that are otherwise not tree-friendly due to complex subsurface conditions
- Gather data on the growth and health of the trees, as well as public response, to inform potential future expansion of the program
We want to hear from You!
Your feedback helps inform new initiatives, like this project. If you live, work, or walk in the area, we want to know:
- Do you notice a difference in shade or comfort?
- What do you like (or not) about the new planters?
- Would you like to see more tree planters in Chinatown or other neighborhoods?
Frequently Asked Questions
FAQsWe planted dogwood trees. These trees were selected due to their hardiness in urban conditions. They can tolerate heat and compacted soils. Dogwoods trees also provide ample shade and support the City’s biodiversity goals.
The tree planters are located in Chinatown along Harrison Ave between Kneeland Street and Harvard Street.
Planter locations were chosen with accessibility and sidewalk usage in mind. They are placed in areas that maintain clear pedestrian paths and minimize disruption to adjacent businesses. We also partnered with community groups to reach nearby property owners interested in receiving a new tree.
Learn more about site requirements for planting street trees.
Some sidewalks in Boston neighborhoods can’t support traditional street trees because of underground conditions like shallow soil volume and utilities. These planters offer a flexible solution, bringing benefits like cooling shade and cleaner air to areas that might not otherwise have trees.
The City Urban Forestry Division is responsible for maintaining the planters and ensuring the trees are watered and healthy. For questions about tree care, email the Urban Forestry Division at trees@boston.gov or call at 617-635-TREE (8733).
The planters are designed to support healthy tree growth, with proper soil volume, drainage, and protection. We’ll closely monitor tree health throughout the project.
The tree planters will be installed in summer 2025. The pilot will run for at least one full growing season, with plans to assess results at the end. Feedback from the public will help guide additional opportunities for tree planters in other neighborhoods.
We’ll collect feedback from the public, monitor the health and growth of the trees, and assess how well the planters perform in different conditions. This information will help determine whether and how we scale the program to other parts of Boston.
Yes. We’ll explore bringing movable planters to other neighborhoods that face similar space or infrastructure challenges.
-
Have questions? Contact:
