HomeMy WebLinkAbout2024-05-14-TREE-min-att2LEXINGTON INVASIVE TREE LIST FOR TREE BYLAW EXEMPTION
Scientific Name
Common Name
Acer pseudoplatanus
sycamore maple
Ailanthus altissima
tree -of -heaven
Elaeagnus umbellate
autumn olive
Frangula alnus; Rhamnus frangula
European buckthorn; glossy buckthorn
Melaleuca quinquenervia
melaleuca
Mimosa pigra
catclaw mimosa
Phellodendron amurense
Amur cork -tree
Pinus thunbergii*
Japanese black pine*
Pyrus Calleryana**
Callery (Bradford) pear**
Salix atrocinerea; Salix cinerea ssp. oleifolia
large gray willow
Salix cinerea
gray willow; rusty willow
*Listed in 2017. As of 12/31/2022, nursery agents/growers may no longer receive or begin propagation.
Existing stock received or propagated before this date may be sold until 12/31/2025. This tree will not be
accepted as mitigation planting.
** Listing on the MA Prohibited Plants List expected by the end of June 2024, after a 2022
recommendation by Mass. Invasive Plants Advisory Group. Even if commercially available after this date,
this tree will not be accepted as mitigation planting.
Whv we have excluded from exemption two trees that are on the MA Prohibited Plant List:
Acer platanoides (Norway maple)
Widely planted as a replacement for American Elm in the early 20th century, Norway maple
represents such a large percentage of Lexington's tree canopy that we cannot encourage its
wide -scale removal at this time. Exemption from the mitigation requirement of the bylaw does
not accurately reflect the value of mature Norway maples. Many municipalities advise that small
specimens be removed, and mature ones allowed to live until they decline, at which point they
should be replaced with native canopy species.
Robinia pseudoacacia (Black locust)
While the species is native to central portions of Eastern North America, it is not indigenous to
Massachusetts. It has been planted throughout the state since the 1700's and is now widely
naturalized. It behaves as an invasive species in areas with sandy soils. Black locust seeds do
not disperse as widely as do Norway maples, and the trees support many forms of wildlife. The
tree's presence in pockets in Lexington provides much-needed shade. As with Norway maples,
removal of seedlings and gradual replacement of declining mature trees is a practical approach
that retains tree canopy.