Cultivating Community Through Environmental Stewardship
At UG2, we believe that our commitment to excellence extends beyond the facilities we manage, it includes our dedication to strengthening the communities in which we live and work. This belief was powerfully reinforced through our recent partnership with GreenRoots for a community tree planting event in Chelsea, Massachusetts.
The event brought together UG2 team members, GreenRoots staff, and Massachusetts Department of Conservation and Recreation (DCR) staff for a shared purpose: to enhance the urban environment through sustainable action. What made the day particularly meaningful was the participation of individuals who either reside in the neighborhood or have strong family connections to the area. Their presence underscored the importance of engaging community members directly in initiatives that shape the future of their local spaces.
“I grew up here, and it means a lot to see this kind of care going into the place I still call home,” shared one Chelsea resident and volunteer. “These trees are going to be part of our neighborhood’s story for generations.”
As part of the initiative, UG2 volunteers planted 10 trees along Madison Avenue and Prospect Street, contributing to GreenRoots’ broader goal of planting 150 trees this year. This effort also supports their long-term vision of reaching 30% tree canopy coverage in Chelsea, a vital step toward a healthier, more resilient urban environment.
The planting process was rooted in thoughtful preparation and long-term sustainability. Each tree selected was chosen with care, ensuring the species fit the space, an essential “right tree, right place” strategy that promotes longevity and minimizes maintenance. Before digging, all locations were marked and cleared through proper Dig Safe protocols by the DCR team. They dug wide, shallow holes in preparation and the volunteer group had to adjust the depth as needed to match the root ball dimensions, a best practice that encourages healthy root expansion.
UG2 team members split up into small teams to gently handle the young trees, removing containers or wire baskets and carefully exposing the trunk flares. Roots were loosened to encourage outward growth, and the trees were positioned so the flare sat slightly above ground level. Soil was then backfilled in layers, with volunteers watering as they worked to eliminate air pockets and ensure proper hydration.
After planting, each tree was staked for support in a wide, shallow ring to protect the roots, retain moisture, and suppress weeds. The DCR team followed up with the “3-3-3” mulching technique, three inches high, three inches from the trunk, in a three-foot radius, to avoid the common mistake of piling mulch against the base.
In a moment of appreciation that meant a great deal to us, GreenRoots called UG2 one of their “best volunteer groups ever”, a recognition that speaks to the dedication and heart our team brought to the day.
At UG2, we recognize that environmental responsibility and community engagement go hand in hand. This initiative reflected our long-standing commitment to sustainability, not as a standalone effort, but as an essential component of how we operate and how we serve. By following industry best practices and partnering with local stakeholders, we ensured that each tree planted has the best opportunity to thrive and deliver long-term value to the community.
Our team was proud to support and work alongside GreenRoots, who brought both passion and purpose to this event. The effort embodies what we strive for every day: delivering excellence with intention and driving meaningful impact in the communities we service.
As these trees take root, local residents will help water the trees through a partnership with GreenRoots to help maintain the health of the trees. Each newly planted tree will require consistent care, particularly during the first two to three years. Proper watering, pruning, and seasonal inspections will be essential to ensure their growth and resilience, and we’re committed to supporting that care in every way we can.