Growing the urban forest: A study of tree ordinances in Massachusetts

Urban forests are a communal resource and will require communal effort to be effectively managed in the twenty-first century. A tree ordinance is one tool that can be useful in this process. For most of the twentieth century urban forest management was focused only on street and park trees. Trees on private property are also an important part of the urban forest system. This thesis provides research and recommendations to support decision making in cities and towns regarding local regulations that can assist in addressing management of the entire urban forest through original research and case studies. The case studies of Cambridge and Lexington show how a tree ordinance has helped provide regulatory, funding, and community support for improved urban forest management in two communities in Massachusetts. The case study of Lawrence shows that a certain amount of capacity in the municipal urban forest management program must first be present before a tree ordinance can be effectively implemented. Research and case studies show that a tree ordinance pertaining to private trees can assist a municipality in addressing the increased demands on urban forest management created by development.