Important NewsSpotted Lanternfly UpdateSpotted Lanternfly egg masses began hatching in Massachusetts late last week. Tiny black Spotted Lanternfly nymphs are now active in parts of the Commonwealth.Ha

Important NewsSpotted Lanternfly UpdateSpotted Lanternfly egg masses began hatching in Massachusetts late last week. Tiny black Spotted Lanternfly nymphs are now active in parts of the Commonwealth.Hatching will continue over the coming weeks, so there is still time to remove and destroy any unhatched egg masses on your property.When removing egg masses, be sure to crush them thoroughly to ensure the eggs are completely destroyed.Questions may be directed to the City’s Tree Warden, Rebecca Nau, at [email protected] For ADA compliance: educational image shows the life stages of the spotted lanternfly, an invasive pest. Panel A displays beige egg masses on tree bark. Panel B shows an early nymph stage with a black body covered in white spots on a green leaf. Panel C depicts a late nymph with distinctive red and black coloring. Panel D shows an adult with wings closed, featuring a gray body with black spots. Panel E shows an adult with wings open, revealing bright red and white underwings with black spotsResponsibilitiesThe Tree Warden and Forestry Division is responsible for:Maintenance management of the City's estimated 12,000 street treesVegetation ManagementTree Warden ResponsibilitiesConducts frequent hazardous tree assessmentsPrescribes treatmentOversees removals, pruning, and plantingsParticipates in public hearings on issues related to trees within scenic waysRoutinely responds to citizen inquiries and requests for serviceLegal IssuesChapter 87: Section 3 of the Massachusetts General Law (PDF), regarding the cutting of shade trees, public hearings, and damages to fee owner, is available online.