Urban Forestry
Maintenance and Management
The role of the Urban Forestry Group is to understand the urban forest in the context of the larger urban ecosystem, to use best management practices to assure that the forest is maintained in good health. They work with the other groups of the Division to establish realistic tree canopy goals, and to develop and implement a canopy planting plan which will maximize the benefits that the urban forest provides to the community and its citizens. They are responsible for tree maintenance and preservation in all park areas, and street tree maintenance when necessary.
Forms & Permits
Volunteer
Contract and Inspection Management
This group is responsible for managing the component of the urban forest along streets in the city. They are responsible for inspecting and recommending plantings on all park and recreation land with the exception of the watershed parks. They inspect trees for signs of proper maintenance and care; diagnose tree diseases, pests and environmental stresses; determine sites and species for tree planting requests; perform hazardous tree evaluations for tree removal requests; perform block inspections for inventory purposes. The group also manages contracts for tree planting, pruning and removals. All requests for tree services are reviewed and managed through this group, including responding to emergency calls of fallen trees on roadways, homes or cars. They review construction plans and recommended preservation of existing trees and prepare street tree plans for construction sites. This office is responsible for maintaining the database for street tree planting and removal, and will work with the Conservation Planning and Analysis group to optimize the usefulness of those data for planning and decision making.