Resources
Technical guides, species information, stewardship tools, and links to help you plant and care for trees in Springfield.
Tree Planting Guides
How to Plant a Tree
Step-by-step instructions for proper tree planting technique — from site selection and hole digging to staking and initial watering.
Visit resourceRight Tree, Right Place
Learn how to choose the right tree species for your site conditions — soil type, sun exposure, space, and proximity to utilities.
Visit resourceTree Planting Checklist
A quick-reference checklist to make sure your new tree gets the best possible start.
Visit resourceTree Care & Stewardship
Watering Your New Tree
Newly planted trees need consistent watering for the first two to three years. Learn how much, how often, and the best methods.
Visit resourceMulching Best Practices
Proper mulching conserves moisture, moderates soil temperature, and reduces competition from grass. Avoid the "mulch volcano" mistake.
Visit resourcePruning Young Trees
Early structural pruning sets trees up for a long, healthy life. This guide covers when and how to prune young street and yard trees.
Visit resourceCitizen Science Tools
iNaturalist
Use the free iNaturalist app to identify and record trees, plants, and wildlife in your neighborhood. Your observations contribute to Springfield's urban forest database.
Visit resourceReGreen Springfield on iNaturalist
Join our iNaturalist project to contribute observations specifically to the ReGreen Springfield urban forest monitoring effort.
Visit resourcei-Tree Tools
Free tools from the USDA Forest Service to assess the structure and benefits of urban trees — including canopy cover, carbon storage, and stormwater interception.
Visit resourceAir Watch Mobile App
Monitor local air quality in real time with the free Air Watch app. Available on the App Store and Google Play — a great companion tool for tracking how urban trees and green spaces improve air quality in your neighborhood. From the Healthy Air Network and ReGreen Springfield. Try it today!
Visit resourceSpringfield/Massachusetts-Specific Resources
City of Springfield Urban Forestry
Information on street tree requests, tree removal permits, and the City's urban forestry program.
Visit resourceMassachusetts DCR Urban Forestry
State-level resources, grant programs, and technical assistance for urban tree planting and stewardship.
Visit resourceSpringfield Tree Canopy Data
Access canopy cover data and urban heat island mapping for Springfield neighborhoods to understand where trees are needed most.
Visit resourceGreening the Gateway Cities Program
Greening the Gateway Cities Springfield (GGC Springfield) was created to increase tree coverage in urban areas in Massachusetts. It is a partnership between the City of Springfield Forestry Division and the MA Department of Conservation and Recreation (DCR).
Visit resourceHealthy Air Network
A regional network working to improve air quality across western Massachusetts. Urban trees play a key role in reducing air pollution — learn how greening efforts connect to public health.
Visit resourceNeed More Help?
Have a question about planting or caring for a tree? Our team is happy to help with site-specific advice and technical support.
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