MBTA takes on problematic trees

Written by Kyra Senese, Managing Editor
image description
Left, crews from Northern Tree Service working; right, the finished vegetation management result.
Northern Tree Service

The Massachusetts Bay Transportation Authority (MBTA) has selected Northern Tree Service, Inc. (NTS) to remove several trees adjacent to its Green Line that transit officials say pose risks due to dead and decaying branches.

 

MBTA says 21 trees and tree branches have fallen onto the Green Line tracks or overhead electrical wires in the past year. Representatives say this has resulted in damage and “severe” service interruptions.

The transportation authority says an arborist from NTS will complete site surveys to evaluate the condition of the nearby trees to identify any trees that could be problematic.  

The assessment will include the identification of dead, dying and damaged trees that could be likely to fall onto trains, tracks, fencing or overhead wires.

The tree pruning and removal work will take place along the line’s D Branch, which experienced 18 of the total 21 tree incidents this year, with work taking place mostly during daytime hours on weekdays and weekends, the MBTA says.

The MBTA says it is covering the cost of the tree removal and any necessary repairs to privately-owned lawns or fences damaged by the services.

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