Councilor Flynn Calls for Hearing to Discuss Expanding Urban Tree Canopy in District 2

BOSTON – Boston City Councilor Flynn has filed for a hearing to discuss expanding the urban tree canopy in District 2. Late last year, the Boston City Council passed the tree protection ordinance, which regulates the process of tree removals, trimming, and maintenance. This hearing aims to identify areas that would be suitable for new tree plants, select appropriate tree species for our environment, and ensure the City has sufficient staffing to plant and maintain the trees.

Over the years, Councilor Flynn has heard from many residents across District 2 who have spoken up about the need for more tree plantings. This includes neighborhoods with particularly low tree coverage, such as Chinatown, Downtown, and South Boston. In September of 2022, the city released the Urban Forest Plan, which laid out strategies for preservation, cultivation and expansion of our urban tree canopy. The plan found that neighborhoods in the south and west parts of Boston have more tree coverage, whereas neighborhoods in the north and east have the least. As of 2019, South Boston only had 8% of tree coverage compared to the city average of 27%. In Chinatown, the figure is at 7%.

“From improving our air quality, providing shade, and helping absorb stormwater runoff- neighbors continue to call attention to the substantial benefits trees provide to our communities,” said Councilor Flynn. “Having a healthy urban tree canopy is important and integral to our environment, our mental health, and quality of life. It is critical that we work together to make the expansion of our urban tree canopy – especially those that have low tree coverage like neighborhoods in District 2- a priority.”

For more information, please contact Councilor Flynn’s office at 617-635-3203 and [email protected].