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Tree Commission

Our reporting from Tree Commission meetings, newest first.

5 stories

Tree Commission discusses Salem Common 12-year planting plan

The Salem Tree Commission discussed plans for a 12-year stewardship program at Salem Common with over $140,000 in identified funding sources.

Townbrief news summary · Sep 14

Government · Tree Commission

Tree Commission debates focus: save mature trees or plant new ones

Salem Tree Commission debates new plantings versus maintaining mature downtown trees. Chair Darleen Melis raised concerns about London plane trees in severe decline on Washington Street, Riley Plaza, and near the Salem YMCA, arguing resources should shift toward preserving the existing canopy.

Townbrief news summary · Jun 8

Government · Tree Commission

Salem Tree Commission approves prior minutes, schedules June events

Salem Tree Commission approves prior meeting minutes, schedules two June tree events. Chair Darleen Melis led a five-member meeting that approved March 16 minutes and scheduled two June events: a Liberty Tree planting ceremony on June 6 at 9:30 a.m. in front of St. Peter's Church with Mayor

Townbrief news summary · May 18

Government · Tree Commission

Tree Commission approves manual revisions, plans Earth Day publication

Salem Tree Commission updates Tree Manual with new planting guidance, schedules Earth Day publication. The commission voted 6-0 with one abstention to approve revisions adding new guidance on bark-covered roots and tree-planting technique, with publication scheduled for April 22. Tree Warden Kieran

Townbrief news summary · Mar 16

Government · Tree Commission

Tree Commission approves 2026 calendar, plans Salem Common planting

Salem Tree Commission approves 2026 calendar, launches Salem Common expansion. Chair Darleen Melis and Tree Warden Kieran Kavanaugh led approval of a 2026 meeting schedule and a Phase II landscape plan for Salem Common, funded by a private donor. Fall Greening the Gateway Cities grant plantings

Townbrief news summary · Jan 12