On average, more than half of the tree cover in a community is owned and managed by private property owners.  The remaining trees are managed by the municipality, park district, township or other governmental entity. According to interviews conducted by the Community Trees Program, in most communities, trees located on private properties are not included in community ordinances.  However, these urban trees, because of their quantity, likely define the community.  When reviewing community websites in the Chicago region, communities often describe themselves as "forested," "tree lined streets,"  "wooded lots" or in other forestry-related terms that identify the significance of trees within the community. Forestry staff have stated that most elected officials are very supportive of trees in their community and believe that trees are an important asset.  It is important for community  forestry managers (for example, public works, community development, forestry departments, etc.) to consider how they might provide outreach and education to their residents to protect and enhance the majority of the trees that make up the COMMUNITY FOREST.

The value of trees has been confirmed in Community Trees Program interviews and in a study conducted in 2004 in which 83 percent of the respondents stated that trees are important to quality of life (Lohr, et al. 2004).  Other studies have shown that tree cover in residential areas has been shown to increase home sale prices, shopping in commercial districts, sense of place and peace, and a number of  environmental benefits. Overall, trees provide significant benefits to communities. 

The Regional Tree Census conducted by The Morton Arboretum estimated the structural compensatory  value of the Chicagoland urban forest at $51.2 billion.  This is a significant resource that deserves our attention and support.

Trees are a community asset not limited to public or private ownership.  They are observed in many settings throughout the community and often without reference to who owns or maintains them.  To assist your residents in understanding the value of trees, we have included in this newsletter several articles which may be included in your local newsletters, websites or other communications pieces.  We have also provided you with access to our recently published resident's guide on emerald ash borer, a municipal guide on emerald ash borer and a number of other resources. 

We here at the Community Trees Program know that you are stretched to your limit with staff and funding reductions.  Our goal is to help you meet the needs of your community in protecting one of your community's most important assets, COMMUNITY FOREST.

Please feel free to contact us at anytime to provide direction or to ask for support.  We look forward to learning from you how best to help you as you work to keep our COMMUNITY FOREST strong.

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The Morton Arboretum is leading a Regional Trees Initiative (RTI) to develop and implement a strategy to improve the vitality and sustainability of the region's trees. Based on the results of the Regional Tree Census, the RTI will establish a coalition of regional stakeholders from throughout the region to utilize and build on existing knowledge of the region's trees. The result will be the development of a meaningful strategy to protect and enhance the regional forest.

The key collaborator with the Arboretum in this initiative is Openlands. Openlands is an organization that "protects the natural and open spaces of northeastern Illinois and the surrounding region to ensure cleaner air and water, protect natural habitats and wildlife, and help balance and enrich our lives." Other partners include the Chicago Metropolitan Agency for Planning, the United States Forest Service, Metropolitan Mayor's Caucus, Chicago Wilderness, professional associations, the forestry industry, and local governmental entities. Committees have been formed to identify key forestry issues in research, policy, advocacy, communications, green infrastructure, stewardship and tree planting, industry and associations.  Committees will be meeting over the next year to define the scope and action needs of the Regional Trees Initiative.

For more on the Regional Trees Initiative visit: (website coming soon)

or call:  Lydia Scott, Community Trees Program Manager 630-719-2425  

Photo Source:  Georgia Forestry Commission

1. Does the location where you wish to plant a tree have full sun or shade?  If the area is shady, consider an "understory" tree. These trees like to grow under the canopy of larger trees. These trees also often have interesting characteristics like spring blooms, good fall color, interesting seed heads, etc. Select a tree appropriate for those light conditions. If your area has full sun, you are likely to have a larger selection of trees to choose from. However, take care to note the mature size of the tree you select.

2.  What is the moisture content of the soil?  Does the location where you wish to plant a tree have wet or dry soil? Is it wet in the spring and then dry the rest of the summer or does it hold water all year long? Individual species of trees have specific moisture requirements. Select a tree that is appropriate for the moisture in the location where you wish to plant. Visit The Morton Arboretum soil science web page. 

3.  What kind of soils do you have?  Heavy clay soils are very dense and do not drain well.  Gravelly or sandy soils allow water to flow through. Different trees have different soil requirements. Be sure to find out what types of soils are common in your area (your local forester will know).  Then match the tree to the soil conditions.  Soil amendments are not always effective.  It is best to start with a tree that thrives in the conditions it is planted in. 

4.  Is the tree close to utilities or other structures?  Be sure to consider the mature size of the tree you wish to plant. If you wish to plant it under utility lines make sure that it will not grow beyond the limits of the lines.  Select a tree that is short in stature at mature height so that it will not conflict with overhead utilities. Also consider the mature width of the tree you intend to plant.  If you plant a tree that will grow to be broad, be sure there is adequate space between the trunk of the tree and any structures or utility lines or poles so that it does not cause adverse impacts as the tree grows.

5. Is the planting location near to the street where it might be impacted by salt?  Many trees are sensitive to road salt. Be sure to look whether the species of tree you desire is a good "street tree" if it will be exposed to road salt.

6.  Was the tree locally grown?  Trees grown in our region will be most appropriate for our growing conditions.Native trees that evolved here are best adapted to our soils and temperature ranges. Consider planting a native tree in your yard.

7.  Diversity is key!  Look around your yard and see what species you have already growing. Consider buying a tree that is a different species. In the future, if a pest or disease impacts one species of tree it may not impact another. Diversity is key to maintaining a healthy forest.

MOST IMPORTANT OF ALL!  Be sure to adequately water your tree. New trees should receive water once a week for the first three years.  They should receive at least 1.5 to 2 inches of water weekly. Before you water, test the soil for moisture.  If the soil a few inches down from the surface is moist to the touch, your tree probably does not need water. However, if the soil is dry you should water your tree. 

For a list of trees suited to our area and their characteristics visit The Morton Arboretum website or speak to an ISA certified arborist in your community.

Photo Source:   Austin Public Library, Open Grown Oak

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Recent storms in our area have resulted in significant damage to
trees and property. Trees that are properly maintained are not as likely to cause property damage. Walk your property and look up in the canopy to see if you have dead or broken branches. Look at the bark: Does it have woodpecker holes or other damage? Consider calling in a professional arborist to do an assessment of your trees. A professional, utilizing a variety of means, can often tell if there is a potential for problems. Often, simple pruning is all that is required. Other times, tree removal may be required. For a list of ISA Certified Arborists in your community visit the Illinois Arborist Association website. 

If you have utilities running through your property, check your property plat to see if there is a dedicated utility easement. If so, and if you have trees with overhanging branches, you may wish to contact the utility to discuss pruning or other measures. If not, and you have overhanging branches, be sure to contact a professional to handle any pruning or removals adjacent to power lines.

Caring for your trees is worth an ounce of prevention rather than a pound of cure.

Photo Source: oldtowntree.com 

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