New Native Streetscape at the Manchester Post Office
Serviceberry: a native New England tree that feeds pollinators, birds, and healthy soil.
Marlene Dolan, FOMT board member and New Native Streetscape at P.O. project manager.
As a capstone to last week’s town‑wide Arbor Day celebrations, the front of the Manchester Post Office has been transformed with a fresh, native streetscape. Three new trees and a thoughtfully selected mix of shrubs now frame the building, creating an inviting and ecologically rich entrance in the center of town. Passersby have responded enthusiastically, offering comments ranging from “It’s sublime” to “I never noticed what was there before, but it looks great now.”
Before planting began, FOMT obtained permission from the U.S. Post Office and completed a Dig Safe survey. Work started immediately following the Arbor Day event at Memorial School.
The stately 1974 pin oak anchoring the site was carefully pruned, and the planting area was cleared of overgrown yews, aging cypress shrubs, and a deteriorating planter box surrounding the flagpole. AH Landscaping assisted with removing large roots and remnants of an irregular cement pole base, after which the soil was loosened and amended to support new plantings.
“We chose plants that are shade tolerant, offer multi‑season interest, and provide meaningful ecological benefits,” said Marlene Dolan, FOMT board member and project manager. At the center of the design is a native Serviceberry (Amelanchier canadensis)—a beloved New England species known for its early spring blossoms, summer berries, and brilliant fall color. It is flanked by two evergreen northern white cedars (Thuja occidentalis), with additional native shrubs such as oakleaf hydrangea and inkberry completing the foundation. More native grasses and ferns will be added to finish the project; these products were not available in April. More in May!
The serviceberry, in particular, has sparked curiosity. Many residents have asked about the new tree on the building’s centerline. This native species offers exceptional ecological value: nectar for early pollinators, berries for birds like Cedar Waxwings and Eastern Bluebirds, host support for dozens of moth and butterfly species, and leaf litter that enriches soil health. It’s an ideal small tree that more homeowners should consider.
Our Postal worker, Matthew Dugan, is excited about the new look. He suggested adding white lights on the evergreens during the Holidays. He noted that customers were concerned that our Town used taxpayer funds for these plantings on Federal property. This project was fully funded by Friends of Manchester Trees, made possible through membership donations starting at just $25. Community support directly translates into visible, lasting improvements like this one.
Founded 53 years ago, FOMT is dedicated to planting and caring for trees and shrubs along Manchester’s public ways and parks. Friends of Manchester Trees invites residents to stop by and enjoy the new plantings—and to learn more about how native species can enhance public spaces.
FOMT signage marks our tree project work around town this April to celebrate Arbor Day and honor our Tree City USA status.
MBTS Post Office - BEFORE - Native Streetscape Project
MBTS Post Office - AFTER - Native Streetscape Project
MBTS Post Office - BEFORE - Native Streetscape Project
MBTS Post Office - AFTER - Native Streetscape Project
Trees, Trees, Trees - April 2026
The Friends of Manchester Trees extends our sincere thanks to the many member donors whose generosity fuels our mission, as well as to the board members and volunteers who make this town‑wide planting effort possible. We also offer a special thank you to AH Tree Service — Antonio Hernandez and his team have cared for our new trees with exceptional attention and will ensure they are planted with skill and stewardship. Together, we are cultivating a greener, healthier future for Manchester‑by‑the‑Sea.
A Special Thank You to Cavicchio Greenhouses
The Friends of Manchester Trees extends our heartfelt appreciation to Cavicchio Greenhouses, Inc. for providing the 28 beautiful trees that will take root across Manchester this spring. Their partnership strengthens our mission and helps ensure that our town continues to grow greener and healthier for generations to come.
We are grateful for their commitment to quality, stewardship, and community support. Together, we are cultivating a thriving urban canopy for Manchester‑by‑the‑Sea.
Hooray for Arbor Day!
On April 15, 2026, Memorial students and FOMT honored Arbor Day with the planting of a vibrant Sugar Maple tree. The entire fifth-grade class accompanied by their teachers, participated in the celebration. Guest Speaker, Maggie Graves, a former student of Manchester Memorial, graduate of UMASS Amherst and Certified Arborist also spoke at the event. Maggie is employed by Hartney Greymont as an Arborist Representative. See photos of the event here.
Emily Lyons, Director of Friends of Manchester Trees (FOMT), emphasized the importance of selecting an optimal location for the tree and ensuring nutrient-rich soil to support its growth. Selectman John Round delivered the official Arbor Day Proclamation, highlighting Manchester's longstanding commitment to urban forestry as a TREE CITY USA community for 34 consecutive years.
A skilled team from AH Tree Service was on-site to carefully excavate the planting area, position the tree with precision, and enrich the soil for a strong foundation. Their expertise ensured that the new Sugar Maple would thrive for generations to come.
21 Trees Arrived on April 15, 2024
Liriodendron tulipifera, Ulmus americana, Liquidambar styraciflua, Quercus alba. More commonly known as Tulip tree, American Elm,
Sweet Gum, and White Oak, these are just some
of the twenty-one new trees planted around Manchester this week.
Every spring, for the past fifty-one years, the Friends of Manchester Trees (FOMT) has been adding to Manchester’s tree canopy to create a healthier and more beautiful town.
With the financial support of members and with permission from the DPW, our local non-profit plants trees on public streets, in parks, and in cemeteries. There are countless benefits to planting trees in an urban or suburban environment, including cleaner air and water, support for wildlife, and happier residents.
If you’d like a new Acer rubrum (Red Maple) in your front yard or want to plant a Cladrastris kentuckea (Yellowwood) in honor of someone, FOMT wants to know. Planning for spring planting in 2025 is officially underway.
Winthrop Field Receives Two New Trees
Kousa Dogwood
Cornus Kousa
This Kousa Dogwood can be found on the edge of Winthrop Field, east of 131 Bridge. Photo taken after planting, April 2024.
Tree Characteristics & Planting Considerations
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Horizontal branching; rounded; exfoliating bark
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Average size: 15' - 25 H X 25' W
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Not a Native Species
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Moderate Salt Tolerance
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Flowers with distinctive white bracts bloom May to June
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Fall color of purple/scarlet
This photo shows the flower with white bracts.
Yellow-wood
Cladatris Kentuckea
This Yellow-wood can be found on the edge of Winthrop Field, west of stream running under Bridge Street.
1
4
Salt Tolerant
Yellow-wood
Cladatris Kentuckea
This Yellow-wood can be found on the edge of Winthrop Field, west of stream running under Bridge Street. Photo taken after planting, April 2024.
Tree Characteristics & Planting Considerations
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Shiny, dark leaves make for excellent foliage; yellow fall foliage
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Average size: 30' - 30' H x 40' W
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Native Species
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Salt Tolerant
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Panicles of 1.25" white, slightly fragrant flowers
bloom from May to June. -
Wide; broadly spreading, sometimes multi-trunked.
This photo shows the fragrant, white panicle of flowers.
The Memorial School Receives a New Red Oak
Red Oak
Quercus rubra
Arbor Day - April 26, 2024
Each year Friends of Manchester Trees plant a new tree on Arbor Day with the Fifth Grade class. Our Tree Warden, Tom Henderson, demonstrates the right way to plant a seedling. The students get hand-on participation and learn how to identify a few trees as well as why trees are so important.
Crab Apple
Malus
A new Crab Apple Tree was planted on the west side of Reed Park. This tree is a great example of our Residential Shade Tree Program.
Dawn Redwood
Metasequoia
Rosedale Cemetery received two Dawn Redwoods which is in keeping with our commitment to preserve and beautify our cemeteries.
April 16, 2024, Martha Gubbins received her Neighborhood Shade Tree. She chose a lovely Kousa Dogwood.
