We focus on caring for the trees that grow on public land, but we also have advice for how to care for the trees in your life.
City Trees
Trees that grow in parks, public spaces, and along the street belong to the city. We have thousands, and every year the city plants a few hundred more. Our tree canopy currently covers some 40% of the city, with the current goal to increase that to 60%.
Help us help the young trees survive, and keep the old giants alive.
Pruning
Trees growing on public land often undergo acute pressures from their environment, and one way we can alleviate these pressures is by helping them to maintain a healthy structure. We are trained volunteers who often coordinate with the Department of Urban Forestry to care for our city’s trees. Uncertified citizens are not allowed to prune city trees.
We understand that you may not think the tree in front of your window needs pruning, but we assure you it does. Trees in urban environments get more sun because they aren’t growing close to neighbors like they would be in a forest. This means that their growth can increase unchecked, with branches spreading in ways that can make them susceptible to damage. (Storm damage, branches being torn off by large trucks etc.) Overgrown trees also pose traffic visibility issues. So while it may seem like we are hurting the tree by cutting it, we are actually improving the tree’s long-term health.
Watering
Extreme summer heat is the biggest reason why young trees fail after planting. We tag new plantings every year with little yellow tags to encourage neighbors to assist with watering, the babies need about 15 gallons of water a week!
Hazardous trees
Large trees that may be a safety risk should be reported by calling 311 and following the prompts.
The hole should be wider than it is deep? Things may have changed since the last time you planted a tree, review the basics here.
Every year countless saplings die from lack of water, especially our urban trees. Your trees may need more water than you think.
Finding the right spot for the right tree is important. Learn what questions to ask when considering what to plant where.
Does my tree need to be staked? And how much mulch should I put down in the fall? Browse our recommendations here.
Proper pruning practices can be essential for a strong limb struture, and to minimize the damage caused by dead or split branches.
Advice on how to check and improve the soil on your property. Leave the leaves! They add nutrients to the soil every fall.
