Commission reviews fall planting schedule, nursery inventory and dig-safe updates

The commission reviewed fall planting logistics and nursery inventory. Jennifer said the commission now uses two Google Sheets to track trees in the nursery and available stock for assignment, and that a small nursery order for fall is in process. She reported dig-safe clearances had been completed for some sites and resubmitted for others, and said a planting that day installed five trees with another scheduled planting on Saturday for about five to seven trees.

Commissioners discussed specific sites and species: Jen said tulip trees that had been planted along Bardwell by the bike path failed to leaf out and were replaced with swamp white oaks at JFK School in the current nursery order. The chair confirmed an order pending with Amherst Nursery and said they were awaiting a quote and delivery schedule. Members also discussed the supply constraints of grow-bag trees and local production limits, noting the advantage of grow bags for easier planting and better root form in many cases.

Staff and volunteers highlighted ongoing coordination needs: the commission will continue to monitor dig-safe progress and finalize species lists for school plantings once nursery confirmations arrive. Jen and commission volunteers will follow up on Sherman Ave and neighborhood plantings and coordinate neighbor outreach for larger cluster plantings.