Page 8 THE EVERETT ADVOCATE – FRiDAy, NOVEmbER 13, 2026 Free trees available for eligible Everett residents Greening the Gateway Cities program offers free trees and planting to help cool neighborhoods and reduce energy use DCR Urban Foresters are shown working on a root flare excavation. DCR Urban Foresters posing for a picture with a newly planted tree. Special to The Advocate W ant more shade in your yard? The City of Everett encourages residents to find out whether they qualify for free trees through the Greening the Gateway Cities program of the Massachusetts Department of Conservation & Recreation (DCR). The program provides trees and planting at no cost to eligible properties. By expanding tree cover in urban neighborhoods, it helps reduce household energy use and improve public health. “Planting a tree is a simple way to make your yard and our neighborhoods more comfortable,” said Mayor Robert J. Van Campen. “This program makes it easier for residents to add shade to their property while helping build a greener Everett.” Trees can help lower cooling costs by shading homes during the summer. In winter, they can provide a buffer from the wind and help reduce heating costs. Across Everett, more tree cover also means less heat absorbed by pavement and cleaner air. “One tree can make quite a bit of difference,” said DCR Urban Forester Michael Griffin. “Studies have shown that one tree planted can benefit up to 500 feet around it. That one tree is providing shade for the pavement, habitat for the birds, and filtering the air for you to breathe. There are countless benefits to trees and the more we plant, the better it becomes.” DCR foresters work with residents to choose trees suited to their property, including shade trees, smaller ornamental trees and evergreens. Crews handle the planting, and participants commit to watering the trees for the first two years to help them become established. While the fall planting season is coming to an end, DCR encourages residents to DCR Urban Foresters posing for a picture with a newly planted tree. call now to schedule a site visit. A forester can assess your yard and help select the right trees so everything is ready for planting in the spring. Planting is available within designated program areas. To check eligibility or schedule a visit with a DCR forester, call 617-626-1459 and leave your name, address and telephone number. Learn more at mass.gov/info-details/greening-the-gateway-cities.
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