Tower Hill expanding tree planting program in Worcester

WORCESTER, Mass. - More trees are coming to the city of Worcester. New England Botantic Garden at Tower Hill is using a state grant to expand its "Give a Tree, Plant a Tree" program.

Crews are using the money to plant about 200 trees in the Main South, Bell Hill and Grafton Hill neighborhoods. The program focuses on environmental justice neighborhoods, meaning areas where English is a second language, a lower income or a large minority population.

Horticulture outreach manager Amy Nyman, said they will plant a variety of different types of trees on private property. She said the free trees will help expand Worcester's urban forest and offer benefits beyond more shade and cooler temperatures.

"If you've ever driven down a tree-lined street and then driven through a neighborhood that doesn't have trees, you'll feel the difference immediately," Nyman said. "Adding trees to these neighborhoods that currently don't have a good tree population adds to the pride of the community. It helps with physical and mental well-being, it can decrease crime and help with storm water mitigations. So it's not just the urban heat island effect. There are a lot of benefits of having a tree in a neighborhood."

The plan is to plant 100 trees in the fall and 100 more next spring. A flyer went out to residents in the area, but anyone who like to learn more or request a tree can visit the garden's website.