The Esplanade Association (EA) has announced that it recently received an anonymous donation specifically designated to be used for tree care on the Charles River Esplanade Park.
With this grant and in partnership with the Department of Conservation and Recreation (DCR), the Esplanade Association has scheduled the tree maintenance and care to be completed this February. The work being done by Bartlett Tree Experts, will take place on the south side of the park between Dartmouth Street footbridge and Fiedler Street Footbridge. Due to the nature of the work, pedestrians and cyclist will be diverted away from the active crew and directed through a safer pathway, keeping them out of harm’s way.
The project will last approximately two weeks, weather permitting. Signage will be posted to direct pedestrians and bikers to a safe path. It is important to note that, the group will be conducting tree crown pruning and potential heavy tree limbs will be falling. Since safety is a priority, the public is being asked to follow the “detour” signs.
The Charles River Esplanade is home to more than 1,700 trees, many of which are mature and contribute substantially to the urban tree canopy of Boston. Tree care, or pruning, is an essential part of preserving this historic canopy for generations to come. EA and its partners will be pruning, removing dead and diseased branches, of more than 172 trees. They will also be removing three trees that are failing. The removal of these trees is an imperative, as to ensure the safety of park goers, as well as preventing tree diseases from spreading. It the goal to replace these trees later this year.
The trees were selected to be cared for through a collective process involving DCR arborist Jeff Enochs and EA Horticulture Manager Renee Portanova.
For updates on the project and more information on the Esplanade Association’s ongoing work in the park, visit www.esplanadeassociation.org.