A Tree Grows In South Boston

October 2, 2013

By Meghan Allen 10-1-13

150 years ago an elm sprouted at the edge of Thomas Park in South Boston. Since then the tree has stood there, tall and peaceful without any complaints, until now.

City officials have been planning to cut down this Civil-war era tree, claiming that it is dying, and poses as a threat to nearby properties. But South Boston residents put their foot down, arguing that the government does not have the right to cut down any “unhealthy” trees without discussing it with them first.

Southie tree advocate, Amy Glynn teamed up with her neighbor Kate Brown and a few other community leaders to keep the elm from being cut down. They hired arborist Kirk Barkman. His analysis is that the tree should continue to live.

Every week Jesse Trufant often walks her dog past the elm. She values the importance of a professional assessment.

“Honestly, I would think they would want to keep trees. I can’t imagine them cutting something down if they really didn’t believe it was a risk and can’t be reversed. But obviously it’s important to hire an arborist or someone to look at it and make sure nothing can be done before it goes,” said Trufant.

In August, the group of South Boston residents issued an emergency injunction to keep the tree from being uprooted. Last Thursday at an official court hearing, a superior judge ruled that the City of Boston does not have jurisdiction under Massachusetts’ law to remove the 150 year old tree at Thomas Park.