Urban and Community forestry

DNR forester and landowner walking in landowner's woodlands

Community forests and trees provide vital environmental and social benefits, from mitigating stormwater and cleaning the air, to improving mental health and reducing the impacts of heat island effects. The Urban and Community Forestry program's goal is to sustain Minnesota's community programs and help them manage diverse and healthy urban tree canopies that are resilient against climate change. Communities and their residents can find information on how to plant and care for your trees, how to hire an arborist, tree pests and diseases, grants for communities and resources on community forestry.

Caring for your tree

Urban environments can be stressful for your trees. They may need some extra care especially during a drought to keep them healthy. Visit our caring for trees page for tips and short videos on property watering and mulching both young and mature trees in your community. We also partner with the Minnesota Tree Care Advocate program who can help you answer questions about your trees.

Tree pests and disease

Tree pests and diseases can become a major problem to a community when there is only one species of trees planted. For example about twenty percent of Minnesota's community trees are ash, which will be lost to Emerald ash borer without sustained treatment. To create a resilient canopy be sure to plant a diverse mix of trees that are well suited for where you are planting them. Below are additional resources on tree pests and diseases.

Resources for communities

Partners

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