Planters for Sidewalk Trees ($75,000)

Location: Citywide for three years.

Cost: $75,000

Committee: Environment

Short Description: Add flowers and plants to sidewalk tree wells near you! This project will provide planters that go around the trunk of a tree by community request. These can be requested with or without plants. 

Long Description: Providing free planters to interested Cambridge residents will allow people the opportunity to beautify and add greenery to tree wells. Planters that encircle the base of trees would be available upon request and could come either pre-planted or just with soil to allow people to purchase and add their own plants. The requester would be responsible for the watering and upkeep of their planters.

Waitlists for community garden spaces are very long and this would provide an alternative space for people to garden. Additionally, there were many concerns about the appearance and upkeep of tree wells along the sidewalks. This program will empower and encourage residents to take care of and enjoy their tree well responsibilities.

There were many requests for flowers and shrubs to be planted around trees in tree wells. Planting in containers rather than directly in the tree wells could prevent overgrown vegetation from clogging the sidewalks. Clear, well-maintained sidewalks are important for Cambridge pedestrian accessibility. Tree wells are also sensitive areas for root systems; planting directly in the wells could damage or put additional stress on urban trees. Containers that sit on top of the wells keep the tree roots clear of competing plants and pedestrian traffic.

An example of a planter in Cambridge.