After field testing trees from various nurseries, we are proud to offer premium-grade stock propagated by a method known as 'air-pruning.' This process creates a more fibrous root system which enables faster initial growth and equips young trees to better withstand stress from heat, cold, drought, insects, etc.
Hardiness: All trees are from northern sources to assure hardiness in the Cambridge area.
Prices/Size:
Our $38 trees are quite short initially (about two feet tall) but because of air-pruning they grow quickly. They're potted in five gallon containers which are easy to handle plus you don't have to plant them right away. Trees planted in late summer generally experience growth between two and three feet by the following fall. Spring-planted trees can grow up to two feet by that fall. We recommend these trees for most applications: they're easy to handle and plant, quick to establish and they consistently out-performed other trees we tested.
If you have to have a larger tree, the $95 trees are at least five feet tall and have trunk diameters between 1 and 1 1/2 inches. Unlike other larger trees that take a few years to get acclimated and start growing, these are also air-pruned and suffer less transplant shock so they start growing for you fairly soon after transplanting. These trees are potted in seven gallon containers which are fairly easy to handle; they can also be planted pretty much any time.
The $5 seedlings we offer aren't air-pruned; they're sown from seeds collected locally and are generally less than 12" tall. These trees need your help (regular watering) for the first year or two after planting. They should also be protected from rabbits during winter months until their diameter is equal in size to a finger.
Can I see trees before ordering? Yes, numerous project trees are planted throughout Cambridge: in the terraces (the area between sidewalk and street) on the 200 block of North Street; the 100 block of High Street and along North Alley behind Voyagers Jewelry. You can also see Tree Project trees planted in Westside Park just north of the skating pond.
Consultation: We are happy to help you select trees that will work best in your yard's unique micro-climate. Email us with your questions: info@cambridgetreeproject.org