City Planting Dozens of New Trees

Peabody’s Department of Parks, Recreation and Forestry is planting dozens of new trees on streets and parks.

Mayor Ted Bettencourt said the annual spring tree-planting program has already begun.

“Planting and caring for trees is among the most important things we can do to benefit current and future generations,” Bettencourt said. “We all know that trees beautify the landscape and provide shade for our homes, but they also offer countless environmental, economic and social benefits.”

Bettencourt said his tree initiative “is designed to provide a sustainable tree planting program for the residents of Peabody, to educate the public regarding the benefits and value of trees and to promote long term tree maintenance.

“We have a list of nearly 40 Peabody homes which will be receiving healthy saplings this spring,” Bettencourt said. “This year, we are planting the Sugarcone Maple, the Triumph Elm, Japanese Ivory Silk and the ever beautiful Flowering Cherry.”

Bettencourt said the trees not only beautify Peabody, but improve the community’s quality of time. The planting program helped Peabody earn a Tree City USA distinction from the Arbor Day Foundation.

“As important as economic and community development are to Peabody’s future, so too is our environmental sustainability and quality of life,” said Bettencourt. “Trees are living breathing organisms which contribute greatly to both. Our commitment to planting and caring for our trees is truly a lasting legacy.”