OVERVIEW:

Just like streets and utilities, Kalamazoo’s city trees are a critical part of our community’s infrastructure. Our goal is to continue growing our urban forest so everyone can enjoy the benefits trees provide.

In 2019 we heard from residents through the Community Sustainability Survey that trees are the top natural feature they care about in their neighborhoods. Trees provide us with important social, ecological, and economic benefits like shading, reduction in overland flow from rainwater, improved air quality, carbon sequestration, providing a source of food and shelter for wildlife, improved mental health and well-being, and possible increases in property values.

With support from the Foundation for Excellence, Kalamazoo continues to grow and care for our urban forest to ensure it thrives for generations to come. More than 1,000 trees have been planted so far, with 500 more planned in 2023!

The City of Kalamazoo has been recognized by the Arbor Day Foundation as a Tree City USA for nearly three decades. Being a tree city “provides a framework necessary for communities to manage and expand their public trees”.

Tree canopy around Crosstown Ponds. 2018.

WHAT SHOULD I KNOW ABOUT MY STREET TREE?

  1. Who maintains the tree once it is planted?

    A tree planted in the Right of Way is public property and owned by the City of Kalamazoo. Long-term maintenance (pruning, watering, and care) is handled by City of Kalamazoo. Still, if you are willing and able to help water new trees during dry conditions to help them survive, your community will thank you!

  2. What do I do if I have a tree that looks hazardous (dying, falling branches, etc.)?

    If you notice an issue with a city tree, like dangerous or fallen limbs or a stump that needs to be removed, call 311 to report it.

  3. What is the process for removing a street tree? Who can remove a street tree?

    You may go before the Tree Committee to make a case for the removal of a street tree. The Tree Committee is the body that enforces and makes updates to the Tree Ordinance. Generally, street trees are only removed if they are dead or nearly dead, creating a public hazard, diseased, too close together, or for infrastructure work (with Tree Committee approval). Review the Tree Ordinance for more information.

  4. Who trims or prunes mature trees around transmission lines?

    Some of the older mature trees throughout the city are tall enough to conflict with above-ground utilities. In this case, pruning is necessary to prevent hazardous conditions from developing. Utilities generally prune trees as part of their infrastructure maintenance. They are required to notify the City’s Public Services Department and the adjacent property owners before doing any pruning.

    Consumer’s Energy is an example of a utility company that will prune trees away from transmission lines. You can learn more about that process here. Trees will have painted markings that help differentiate the type of work that needs to be done.

  5. What types of trees are prohibited or not allowed to be planted?

    There are many species that are not allowed to be planted outlined in the Tree Ordinance. Review the ordinance for the list.

  6. What if I want a street tree but didn’t receive one during the yearly Spring and Fall Plantings?

    If you would like a street tree you can submit a request via 311 or use the short form below. This doesn’t guarantee you will receive a street tree but will submit your request for staff review.

The City's right of way area is normally the grassy area between a sidewalk and the street (Curb Lawn) or, on the streets that have a boulevard, in the middle of the street. Right of way can vary based upon location.

Street Tree Inventory

In 2021 a Street Tree Inventory was completed providing an update on Kalamazoo’s street trees’ health, age, species, size, and GPS location. The last survey was completed 20 years ago.

The completed inventory provides an urban forestry management plan for new plantings, maintenance of existing tree stock, and removal of trees when they become hazardous.

Inventory Highlights

  • 21% of trees are >24” in diameter (compared to 6% in 2001)

  • 43% of trees are Maples (compared to 50% in 2001)

  • Tree stock is aging with many large, mature trees (trees which were young in 2001 are aging)

  • Priority is on new native plantings to keep tree stock healthy and diverse

  • The natural mortality rate of approximately 223 trees per year

Trees come with many benefits, both direct and indirect for our physical and mental well-being and ecosystem.

Street trees can help enhance residential streets, providing canopy, habitat, and health benefits.

Street Tree PLanting Concern or Question

If you have a concern or question about a planned tree planting in front of your property please fill out the form below or call us at 311 or (269) 337-8000.

RIGHT OF WAY STREET TREE PLANTING REQUEST

The Public Services Forestry Division is responsible for maintaining City trees (a tree located in the City's right of way, in a City Park, or on City owned property). The City's right of way area is normally the grassy area between a sidewalk and the street or, on the streets that have a boulevard, in the middle of the street.

Some of the issues addressed by Kalamazoo's Forestry Division include broken or hanging limbs, fallen limbs, dead or dying trees, trimming near streets and sidewalks, and planting new trees throughout the city. You can report an issue related to city trees online here.

PROJECT MANAGER:

Anthony Ladd, Assistant Director Public Works Division

Brian LaBelle, Forestry Supervisor Public Works Division

CONTRACTOR:

Davey Tree Expert Company for Street Tree Inventory

OBJECTIVE:

Increase Tree Canopy in Kalamazoo

SCHEDULE:

Spring or Fall Plantings (Yearly)

STAFFING:

Public Works Staff

VISION:

Grow and diversify the City of Kalamazoo’s Tree Canopy

STRATEGIC VISION GOALS:

Environmental Responsibility, Inviting Public Spaces,

METRICS:

Number of trees planted

FUNDING SOURCE:

Foundation for Excellence (FFE)