Cooperative Tree Planting Program

Urbana has lost hundreds of trees over the past several years to the emerald ash borer in addition to those felled by disease, severe weather and other factors. These larger-than-usual losses are taking a serious toll on our urban forest, making it necessary for the City to plant 2-3 trees for every one that’s lost.

It’s particularly bad news for a community that was the first in Illinois to receive the Tree City USA designation and among only 16 cities nationwide to earn the distinction every year since.

We’re asking you to partner with the City — on an individual basis or through your neighborhood association, service organization, business or church — by sharing the cost of new trees through our Co-op Tree Planting Program. For example, the Urbana Rotary Club’s funds were matched by dollars from residents Dr. Holly Rosencranz and Warren Lavey to purchase 85 trees.

It’s just that kind of ripple effect with neighbors and neighborhoods coming together that will make this program succeed. As everyone keeps spreading the word, we’re building a cooperative community effort to ensure we have parkway trees for generations to come.

So let’s do this…together, we can revitalize our city-wide tree inventory.

How to Get Involved

For individuals:

1. Download the Application Form, and complete it.
2. Mail the form and your one-time payment of $125 per tree, payable to the City of Urbana, to Urbana Public Works, Arbor Division at 706 S. Glover Street, Urbana IL 61802.
3. Agree to water and care for the new tree planted near your home, according to the City-established guidelines.

On the Application Form, you can indicate: 1) a preference from the list of City Selection trees; 2) a Heritage Community tree; 3) a Native Illinois tree; or 4) for the City Arborist to choose the best selection.

In all cases, the City’s Public Works Arbor Division will determine the specific planting location and contact all utility agencies before planting trees. Trees are planted between March and June each year, depending on weather.

For organizations

Are you involved with a neighborhood association, service organization, business or church? Contact the City Arborist at replanturbana@urbanaillinois.us to explore ideas like these for replanting Urbana:

• employer/employee matching program
• partnership with other organizations
• combining efforts with other individuals