About the Division
The Forestry Division was commissioned in January of 1898. The mayor, Henry S. Dickinson, appointed the City’s first forester, William F. Gale, on February 1, 1898. The division was assigned to the Streets and Engineering Department, and their duties were to care and protect the beautiful trees of Springfield. In 1918, the division became part of the Department of Parks, Buildings, and Recreation Management. Today, the mission of the Forestry Division remains largely the same while employing 21st Century Arboriculture and Urban Forestry principles to manage the City's tree resource.
Division Responsibilities include
Public Tree Maintenance
Manage Planting, Pruning, Inspecting, Watering, Stump-grinding, and Removal of Hazard Trees in all Parks and Public Street Right-of-Ways.
If you are interested in planting your own tree on the tree-belt, please contact the Forestry Division for permitting requirements.
Tree Safety Inspections
Monitor and inspect Public Trees for hazards, defects, and maintenance needs.
Maintain Public Tree Inventory
Data Collection and updates on Tree Inventory to improve record-keeping, analysis, and planning.
Storm Damage Response
Assessment and mitigation of hazards after storms. Rapid response to large, downed limbs or trees. If a tree falls on a powerline or poses an immediate, life-threatening emergency - Call 9-1-1
Managing Contracted Work on Public Trees
Any work on public trees requires a signed permit from the City Forester. We manage the permitting process, sign-off on work to be performed, and confirm completed work, as well as issue fines to non-permitted actors. If you believe work is being performed on public trees without a permit, please contact our office at (413) 787-7787 or submit a 3-1-1 request.
Education and Outreach
Act as a resource to the Springfield Community to answer questions and educate the public about our Urban Forest and related topics.