Forestry Home
Municipal arboriculture is a specialized field of arboriculture and urban forestry that deals with the management of planted and naturally occuring greenspaces on public land in communities. It involves planning, planting, establishing, protecting, and managing public trees and associated vegetation.
We plant and manage trees because they provide significant benefits to our community. Among the most basic reasons for planting trees is for their beauty and the shade they provide. While these are excellent benefits, trees serve many other purposes. The following documents provide in-depth information and research about why trees are important:
Midwest Community Tree Guide
The Value of Trees
Trees are Good - The Benefits of Trees
Racine's Forestry Division manages the planting, pruning, removal and other maintenance needs of an estimated 30,000 tree sites located along 260 miles of streets. In addition, the Division is responsible for an additional 60,000+ trees located in parks, cemeteries, golf courses, and on other City-owned property such as Wustum Museum and the Racine Zoo. Forestry staff are trained to follow rigid safety standards. Whether planting a new tree or cleaning up after a major wind storm, the safety of the workers, the public and property are never compromised.
If you have a question or concern regarding a community tree, please contact the Parks, Recreation, and Cultural Services Department at 636-9131. You can also email the City Forester, Matt Koepnick, at matthew.koepnick@cityofracine.org.
If you would like a community tree planted, please fill out a Tree Planting Application.
If you are a tree service provider and wish to perform arboricultural work (fertilizing, pesticide application, pruning, or other) on a public street tree, city ordinance requires that you first complete a Tree Work Permit Application.
If you would like additional information beyond what is provided here, one of the following external websites may be of use to you:
Wisconsin Department of Natural Resources
Emerald Ash Borer
Wisconsin Arborist Association
International Society of Arboriculture
Tree Care Industry Association
Diggers Hotline
Tree Owner’s Manual