Six varieties of trees now available for purchase through city’s fall tree planting program

QUINCY — Quincy residents and/or business owners can start buying a tree through the city’s annual fall tree planting program. The trees will be planted on the public parkway (land between the sidewalk and the street) adjacent to their property.

Assistant Planning Director Jason Parrott said city crews have removed more than 120 trees located in the public parkway since Jan. 1. He said the annual fall tree planting program provides an opportunity to restore the city’s tree canopy.

In a press release, Pattott said, “Quincy has been recognized as a Tree City USA community for nearly 40 years, and the annual fall tree planting program helps the city maintain that distinction. Trees provide so many benefits to the city, both environmentally and aesthetically. It is quite a visual to see the vibrant shades of red, orange, and yellow leaves as you drive through town each fall.”

Leffers Landscape and Nursery will provide the trees, which are guaranteed to bud out in the spring, and plant them for the city. Parrott said the property owner is responsible for maintaining the tree, including providing plenty of water — especially during dry weather.

The trees will be sold on a first-come, first-served basis for $100 each. At the time of planting, they will be approximately eight to 12 feet in height with a diameter of two inches.

Parrott said the city reserves the right to adjust the location of the tree or the type of tree to make sure it does not interfere with underground or overhead utilities. He said the city will review the amount of parkway available to make sure the new tree has room to grow. Parrott said a tree will not be planted if there is not enough public parkway available. If no sidewalk is present, the tree must be located within 10 feet of the curb in the front yard.

Trees must be bought in person at the City Hall Annex, 706 Maine, third floor, from 8 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. Monday-Friday. The preferred payment method is a check. The deadline to buy a tree is Friday, Nov. 8. The planting of the trees should be completed by mid-December.

Trees available for purchase are:

• Princeton Elm
• Shademaster Honeylocust
• New Horizon Elm
• Kwanzan Cherry
• Ivory Silk Lilac
• Spring Snow Crabapple

More information is available by calling the Department of Planning and Development at 217-228-4515.