500 trees to be planted in New Bedford

By: News Staff

news@abc6.com

NEW BEDFORD, M.A. – Officials in New Bedford have announced the city will plant more than 500 street trees this year.

Mayor Jon Mitchell says by implementing a robust urban forestry program to build its tree population citywide and improve the urban environment, New Bedford is on track exceed the annual goal he set in 2014,  

“Trees provide natural shade, slow traffic speeds, add value to adjacent homes and businesses, absorb groundwater and filter the air among other things.  The benefits of street trees in urban environments like New Bedford are well documented and manifold and that’s why it is so important that we meet our annual tree planting goal,” said Mayor Jon Mitchell.

New Bedford’s City Arborist, Chancery Perks, who leads the tree planting and maintenance efforts, said he is working to ensure proper placement, and diversity among the new street trees planted.

According to Perks, the varieties of trees being planted this fall are tulip-trees, flowering cherries, London Plane trees, and assorted Maples.

©WLNE-TV / ABC6 2016