NORTH ADAMS, Mass. — The Tree Commission is getting things growing this year. 

 

The commission was reinstituted a couple of years ago after many dormant years. But it had a quite bit of a turnover in commissioners so it's taken until 2023 to find its groove. 

 

It planted 10 trees in late spring and early summer, including three at City Hall. This fall, it's got another 13 sitting at the city yard to put in, including replacing a dead tree on Main Street in front MountainOne Bank.

 

Since 2019, some 464 trees have been planted for residents and businesses and in public parks and along roadways  an initiative of the Franklin Land Trust and funded by a grant from the U.S. Forest Service. 

 

The city had more trees available through the grant that runs through 2023 but the commission realized it was not going to be able to handle all that were available this year.

 

Instead, commissioners at their meeting last week voted to spend what was left in funding on tools and equipment to continue care and planting before the grant ran out on Sept. 1. The goods will be stored at a previously purchased shed at the city yard. 

 

"We've made a lot of steps forward for sure," said Chair Steve Betti. "And everything we're talking about right here, that's going to fill that shed."

 

The commissioners will meet on Thursday at the library to schedule this fall's planting, hopefully with the help of Massachusetts College of Liberal Arts students again but more bodies are always welcome. 

 

The trees are expected to be planted at Hill Side Cemetery, the Freeman playground, the city yard, High Street and Main Street. 

 

Commissioner Barbara Murray noted if there are enough people, they could split up into three groups. 

 

"I don't think we'll have a problem breaking it up," said Betti. "I would love to get this done in one day."

 

Betti said he would also be checking with the state's Dig Safe program to ensure they weren't touching any utility lines. He'll also be asking Public Works to remove the tree on Main Street.  

 

"Idon't think we should be down there with a chainsaw cutting down a tree on Main Street," he said. "I don't want a tree branch going through a window on Main Street."