Boston announces latest round of tree planting grants

“From integrating stormwater features to removing hundreds of feet of concrete for new tree pits, we’re excited about the innovation and commitment of our communities to help grow a more resilient Boston.”

The six awardees are: 

Boston Food Forest Coalition (BFFC): $124,850 to plant 23 fruit and shade trees and install a new timed automatic irrigation system with passive collection tanks and rain sensor in BFFC’s new food forest park in Dorchester.

Friends of Melnea Cass Boulevard: $194,900 to plant 24 trees along Melnea Cass Boulevard.

Tree Eastie: $25,000 to plant 60 trees across East Boston and support community engagement about the benefits of trees and how to care for them.

Four Corners Main Streets: $50,000 to plant 40 trees in Dorchester and Roxbury and support community engagement to plant trees with residents and other local organisations.

Longwood Collective: $62,750 to remove concrete surfaces to implement tree pits and plant 12 new trees along privately-owned, publicly accessible areas in Longwood. 

Speak for the Trees: $62,250 to plant 80 trees and support public educational workshops about best practices for tree selection, planting, harvesting, and care through their NeighbourWoods programme.

“The real impact of the Boston Tree Alliance Programme comes from the participating community partners. This award round not only supports long-standing organisations that have been advancing tree planting across the city for years, but also neighborhood-based organisations that understand how vital trees are for a healthy community,” said Mass Audubon’s George Durante, senior director of nature in the city.

“Increasing the tree canopy in Boston and collaborating to lift partners squarely aligns with Mass Audubon’s goals, particularly when it comes to mobilising to mitigate against climate change and increasing access to nature.”

This grant cycle marks the third year of the Tree Planting and Care Grant and introduces new allowable costs, including depaving and green infrastructure features such as stormwater tree trenches, to expand opportunities for tree planting and longer-term care.

The programme is funded by grants awarded to the City of Boston by the American Rescue Plan Act and the US Department of Agriculture Forest Service’s Urban and Community Forestry Programme Grant. 

“Increasing the tree canopy in Boston and collaborating to lift partners squarely aligns with Mass Audubon’s goals, particularly when it comes to mobilising to mitigate against climate change and increasing access to nature”

“These grants celebrate the innovative work of community partners who are helping to grow and sustain Boston’s urban tree canopy,” said interim parks and recreation commissioner Cathy Baker-Eclipse. “From planting on private property to creating new tree pits and integrating green infrastructure, each project demonstrates how thoughtful investment in our urban forest strengthens climate resilience and ensures long-term stewardship.” 

“Together with both public and private partners, we are planting and caring for trees that cool our neighbourhoods, manage stormwater, improve air quality, and create healthier, more resilient communities for generations to come.”

The Boston Tree Alliance Programme works to advance climate resilience and urban forestry strategies identified in the Heat Plan and Urban Forest Plan. The programme is administered by Mass Audubon, in partnership with the City of Boston’s Office of Climate Resilience, Department of Parks and Recreation, and Office of Green Infrastructure. The Alliance is a coalition made up of nonprofit and community-based organisations that lead tree planting and care projects, support the development of information and education materials, and inform the overall direction of the programme. 

Applications for the next round of funding will open in fall 2026. Visit boston.gov/tree-grants to learn more.