The Borough has its own chipper, front-end loader, dump trucks, pickup trucks and various saws, safety saddles and ropes to perform tree work. Currently, the Borough expends approximately 3,500 man-hours, worth an estimated $80,000, annually on planting, tree care, branch pick-up, and other tree-related work. This is in addition to approximately $9,500 from the DPW budget used to hire outside contractors for pruning work on larger, more mature trees.

Also included in this budget is the weekly and annual tree recycling programs and door to door tree branch pick up. Somerville currently disposes of wood waste by grinding it up to make mulch or cutting it into firewood that is provided free to residents. Any excess wood waste is disposed of at the A.T.S. recycling/mulch facility in Bridgewater. There are contractors who will pick up sawlogs for no charge. However, the wood must be in long (24-foot) lengths and contain no metal staining or rot. Storage of these logs until they can be picked up may pose a logistical problem. Disposal of trees and wood primarily within the Borough is currently meeting the needs of Somerville.

The Borough also has a very reliable fall tree leaf pick up schedule that is maintained through the town budget. Residents are asked to put raked leaves to the curb so that they can be vacuumed into the Borough trucks for recycling. This prevents clogged storm water drains and related problems. The schedule is posted on the borough website, cable TV, etc.

The Borough will continue using Environmental Commissioners and volunteers to prune smaller street trees. In addition, they will continue to respond to resident tree requests, concerns, questions and issues with the removal of dying and hazardous trees. DPW's schedule of inspections and pruning of larger trees may be supported with contracted professionals when necessary. DPW will attach water bags to newly planted trees and maintain a schedule to fertilize, water, mulch, and prune trees in early years of growth. The commissioners will monitor and advocate for proper tree care in light of tight budgets and reduced allocation of staff time to tree care. The Environmental Commission will seek to revise the plans and processes to remove street trees in the next 5 years to assure unnecessary removal of our natural resources.