City to Plant Tree in Honor of Tree Warden

Members of Medford’s Forestry Division work on a tree. Photo courtesy City of Medford.

Tree Warden Has Been Recognized by State Group with Award

– Allison Goldsberry

City Hall will recognize one of its own for winning an award by with a tree-planting ceremony on Wednesday.

Arthur Jeselonis, Medford’s Tree Warden for nearly fifteen years, has been named Massachusetts Tree Warden of the Year by the Massachusetts Tree Warden’s and Forester’s Association, and a tree will be planted in his honor at City Hall.

Jeselonis heads up the city’s Forestry Division, which oversees all of Medford’s public shade trees. According to the association’s website, the award is given to tree wardens who have shown leadership, dedication, and a commitment to the job.

“Always protective of the community’s existing shade trees, Arthur “Jessie” Jeselonis is a credit to the City of Medford. He’s the ‘go-to guy’ and he’s always there for us. Arthur Jeselonis is most worthy of the honor in being named Tree Warden of the Year, and we share in his pride,” said Mayor Michael McGlynn in a written statement.

The group also recognized Jeselonis in April with the George E. Stone Award for his work in promoting the city’s tree canopy with local children and other groups. The award is named for the group’s founder and is given to those that have shown outstanding commitment to public tree care and advocacy.

No public tree can be removed and no new tree can be planted on public land in Medford without the approval of Jeselonis. According to state law, the tree warden must hold a public hearing before a public shade tree can be removed.

Medford prides itself on being recognized by the National Arbor Day Foundation as a “Tree City USA,” and according to the city’s website, the Forestry Division plants more than 100 trees each year.