Best practices from Historic New England experts

Trees and woody shrubs are an important part of the overall interpretation of Historic New England’s museum properties. Prioritizing tree and shrub work can be a management challenge because trees require continual care and maintenance during their life. Historic New England manages that care based on clearly defined criteria, while also balancing the financial realities of caring for more than 1,350 acres of land.

Additionally, our landscapes are constantly evolving with the natural introduction of volunteer trees, whether of native or exotic invasive species. Historic New England has four goals for the management of its collection of trees and woody shrubs:

• Practice sound risk management to protect both the public and the historic resources
• Enhance the interpretation of each site through the care, selective removal, and planting of trees and woody shrubs
• Promote the health and sustainability of the trees and woody shrubs as well as the natural ecosystems
• Perform all of these activities within the organization’s established budget

Tree Care Topics

• Risk Assessment
• Inspection
• Inventory and Record Keeping
• Pruning and Removals
• Tree Healthcare Treatments
• Construction Protection
• Replacement of Trees and Woody Shrubs
• Exotic Invasive Plant Management
• Allee Management
• Forest Management

Read additional white papers on landscape care.