New Series from Town Shade Tree Committee Will Spotlight the Trees of Amherst
The largest tulip tree in the state of Massachusetts on Fearing Street in Amherst. Photo: amherstma.gov
Source: Amherst Public Shade Tree Committee
Did you know there is a 400-year-old white oak tree growing on the banks of Puffer’s Pond? Or that one of the grandest American elm trees in Massachusetts is on Sunset Avenue? There is even a book about it. Were you aware that the second-largest tulip tree in the state grows in a private backyard on Fearing Street? Or that dawn redwoods, like those on Woodside Avenue, were thought to be extinct until 80 years ago?
We are fortunate to live in a town with an amazing diversity of trees. Amherst’s tree canopy covers roughly 53% of land—9,462 acres—and Amherst residents may not often stop to consider the exceptional species growing around us. The Amherst Public Shade Tree Committee (APSTC) has created Amherst Arbor Spotlight to highlight some of these standout specimens. Each monthly article will feature a different tree species, citing its identifying characteristics, ecological benefits, and historical significance, accompanied by vintage and contemporary photographs.
Amherst Arbor Spotlight will launch in January 2026, and will focus on the town’s 12 different species of shade trees.The first focus will be on the majestic white oak, examining trees at the Dickinson Homestead, Puffer’s Pond, and Wildwood Cemetery. Future articles will feature the American elm, American sycamore, Dawn redwood, gingko, northern catalpa, shagbark hickory, sugar maple, and tulip tree, among others. New articles will be posted on the first day of the month on APSTC’s website, and in the Amherst Indy, with links on Facebook, Instagram.Let’s celebrate the extraordinary trees of Amherst!
For questions or more information, please contact: Ellen Keiter, APSTC Chair at: shadetreecmt@gmail.com