Request a New Tree - New Tree Planting
You can request Urban Forestry to plant a tree in the public right of way space in front of your home.
You just have to contact us Urban Forestry to start the process.
What Type of Tree Will Be Planted
Large canopy trees are the preferred planting stock where the sites allow for it. Madison has a goal of 40% community canopy coverage (meaning 60% of the ground could be seen from above when all the trees are leafed out). Movement toward that goal requires planting and maintaining large canopy trees.
In order to have a healthy and thriving urban forest, we must have diverse and resilient canopy. We thoughtfully consider the right tree for the right place and balance a number of factors ranging from utility conflicts to neighboring tree species.
The trees we plant today are expected to flourish in the climate of tomorrow. We attempt to account for that reality in our planting decisions as well.
Ultimately, we aim to have at least three different tree species per block and no more than 30% of the same family, 20% of the same genus and 10% of the same species citywide.
Charge for a New Tree?
In spaces where a tree was never planted before, there may be a one-time charge.
A tree replacing one that was previously removed by Urban Forestry will not be charged.
We Can't Guarantee You a Tree After Your Request
Due to underground utilities or other conflicts, not every right of way space can successfully support a tree even if it looks okay from the surface. We evaluate the space before we schedule the planting.
If you'd like a tree in the right of way space near your home, there's no harm in asking. Trees are great!
Overall Planting Success
Current analysis indicates over 90% of available right of way sites have trees.
The City of Madison plants 2,000 to 3,000 trees each year on average. After you've factored trees we've needed to remove for advanced decline, construction impacts, storm damage, and other reasons, Madison has gained 1,000 new trees each year for the past several years.