Springfield, Massachusetts
Tree Removal and Tree Service in Springfield, Massachusetts
On June 1, 2011, a tornado cut a path through downtown Springfield and the South End to East Forest Park. Four months later an October snowstorm hit trees still in leaf. Between them they destroyed thousands of trees, and in the hardest-hit area a US Forest Service study found shade cover fell from about 44 percent of the land to less than 1 percent.
- County
- Hampden
- Tree rules
- City of Springfield Forestry and Tree Warden; Massachusetts public shade tree law
- Key local rule
- Public shade trees are protected under state law; contact the Tree Warden before work on them
- Electric utility
- Eversource
- Main hazards
- Tornadoes and severe storms, early snow on leafed trees, ice
June 1 and October 29, 2011
The EF3 tornado that crossed Springfield in the late afternoon of June 1 was one of the strongest ever to hit Massachusetts. It tore through the South End, Six Corners, Forest Park and East Forest Park, flattening houses and stripping or snapping nearly every tree in its path.
On October 29, a nor'easter dropped heavy wet snow on Western Massachusetts before leaves had fallen. Trees that had survived the tornado, and many across the rest of the city, broke under the load.
In East Forest Park, the Forest Service study found the loss of shade raised daytime temperatures by 1 to 2 degrees Celsius. Years later, residents had rebuilt homes but not the trees.
Who replanted Springfield's trees?
Much of the work was done by ReGreen Springfield, a grassroots nonprofit formed after the storms. By 2013 more than 4,400 new trees had been planted in the city, including about 1,400 on private property. The state's Greening the Gateway Cities program later funded thousands more.
- ReGreen Springfield
- Planted on streets and in private yards.
- State programs
- Greening the Gateway Cities launched a large planting round in 2018.
- City forestry
- Manages public shade trees.
Replanting a storm-hit yard
Clear stumps
Grind and plant to the side.
Choose strong species
Oaks, hackberry, Kentucky coffeetree, elm cultivars.
Place trees well
Away from the house and lines.
Water two seasons
New trees need steady water.
Prune early
Structure built young survives the next storm.
Signs of old storm damage
Bark wounds from flying debris
Scars from 2011 that became decay pockets.
Trees leaning since the tornado
Roots loosened but not pulled out.
Snapped tops that resprouted
Weak new leaders on old trunks.
Snow-damaged maples
Large old wounds from October 2011.
Where the storms hit hardest
| Area | What happened | Tree work today |
|---|---|---|
| South End and Six Corners | Direct tornado path | Young replacement trees needing structural pruning |
| Forest Park | Tornado and snow damage | Old maples and oaks with storm wounds |
| East Forest Park | Most canopy lost | Ongoing replanting on streets and in yards |
| Rest of the city | October snowstorm | Assessing damaged survivors |
Public shade trees in Massachusetts
Under Massachusetts General Laws Chapter 87, public shade trees, those within or on the boundary of public ways, are managed by the city's Tree Warden. Removing one generally requires a public hearing. Owners should not prune or remove a tree in the right-of-way without contacting the Tree Warden.
Private trees in Springfield are the owner's responsibility. After the storms, many owners chose to replant with sturdier species and to have damaged survivors assessed.
Springfield tree questions
Can ReGreen Springfield plant a tree in my yard?
The group has planted on private property in the past. Contact it about current programs.
Who handles the tree in front of my house?
If it is a public shade tree, the city's Tree Warden.
Was the 2011 tornado unusual for Massachusetts?
Yes. Strong tornadoes are rare in New England, but the 1953 Worcester tornado and the 2011 Springfield tornado show they happen.
How long until replanted trees give real shade?
Ten to twenty years for most shade trees, faster with good care.
Reach a tree service in Springfield
Call to be connected with an independent tree company that works in the Springfield area, or leave your number and one will call you back.
(844) 955-1716Call availability varies by area and time of day
Limbwright is a referral service. Your call goes to an independent tree service company that sets its own schedule and terms. Ask for proof of insurance and a written scope before work starts. How this works
Call now
Talk to a tree service provider in your area. Have the tree's location and what it is near ready.
(844) 955-1716Call nowCall availability varies by area and time of day