Parks and Recreation

City trees are trees taken care of and planted by the City of Racine-Parks, Recreation and Cultural Services Department – specifically, the Forestry Division. You can determine if you have a City tree in your yard based on its location:

City trees are typically located in the homeowner’s front yard in the grassy area between the sidewalk and the street, also known as the right-of-way.

Corner lots may have street trees on both the front and side yards.

Trees located in backyards are private trees and the homeowner’s responsibility unless they are in the City’s greenspace.

The City Foresters also take care of all trees located in City parks and green spaces.

Use our Contact Us online portal to request services or report a concern, or call (262) 636-9131.

Trees are more than just a beautiful part of our neighborhoods — they provide critical benefits to our entire community:

• Cleaner Air – Trees filter pollutants and release oxygen, improving overall air quality.
• Cooling Shade – Shaded streets and yards reduce heat in the summer and can lower energy costs.
• Stormwater Management – Roots absorb rainwater, helping reduce flooding and erosion.
• Wildlife Habitat – Trees provide shelter and food for birds, pollinators, and other urban wildlife.
• Property Value – Tree-lined streets and healthy urban forests make neighborhoods more attractive and can increase property values.
• Safer, Quieter Streets – Trees calm traffic, reduce noise, and make walking and biking more enjoyable.
• Community Well-being – Green spaces with trees promote relaxation, social connection, and overall mental health.

Together, these benefits make Racine a healthier, safer, and more enjoyable place to live, work, and play.

The best times to plant trees in Racine are spring (April through early June) and fall (September through early November). These seasons provide ideal soil moisture and cooler temperatures, helping trees establish strong root systems.

The City of Racine Forestry Division plants public trees in both spring and fall, depending on species and availability. If you are planting on private property, these same seasons are recommended to give your tree the healthiest start.

The City of Racine Forestry Division prunes public trees on a zone-based rotation schedule. Each neighborhood zone is assigned specific pruning years to ensure every public tree is maintained regularly.

While emergency or hazardous situations are addressed year-round, routine pruning is generally performed during the dormant season (late fall through early spring). Pruning at this time promotes tree health, reduces the risk of spreading disease, and allows arborists to maintain safe clearance for streets, sidewalks, and utilities.

Citizens can check their pruning zone and schedule on the City’s zone map to see when their area is planned for routine tree maintenance

Tree removal in Racine is not limited to a specific season. The Forestry Division removes public trees year-round as needed, based on safety and health concerns.

Most removals are identified through the annual survey conducted by Forestry staff, but additional removals may occur anytime if a tree is found to be dead, dying, or dangerous due to storms, insects, disease, or structural defects.

Because safety is the priority, tree removal is scheduled promptly once a hazardous tree is identified, regardless of the season.

Stump removal in Racine is typically done during the warmer months, from spring through fall, when the ground is not frozen.

The Forestry Division schedules stump grinding after a tree has been removed, but depending on workload, weather, and contractor availability, there may be a delay before the stump is fully cleared.

Once removed, the area is restored with soil and seeded so grass can grow back naturally.

Yes. After a stump is removed, the Forestry Division restores the site by backfilling with soil and seeding the area with grass seed. This helps the space recover naturally and blend back into the surrounding landscape.

Please note: ongoing watering and care of the newly seeded area is the property owner’s responsibility to ensure healthy regrowth.

Yes. When the Forestry Division prunes or removes a public tree, staff also collect and dispose of all wood, branches, and debris created by the work. The site is left safe and orderly once the job is complete

If you notice low-hanging branches or other safety concerns, please report the tree to the PRCS Office or submit the information online. Forestry staff will inspect the tree and perform any necessary pruning to ensure safety, proper clearance, and tree health.

Contact PRCS: 262-636-9131

Submit Tree at Risk Information Online

The City of Racine Forestry Division performs routine pruning primarily during the dormant season (late fall through early spring). This timing promotes tree health, reduces the spread of disease, and allows proper pruning for safety and clearance.

However, emergency or hazardous pruning is performed year-round whenever a tree poses a risk to people, property, or public infrastructure

All trees located on city-owned or controlled property, including alleys, are pruned exclusively by the City of Racine Forestry Division.

Residents should not attempt to prune alley trees themselves, even if branches are low or near structures. If a tree in an alley poses a hazard or needs attention, you can report it to the PRCS Office or submit the information online for Forestry staff to handle safely.

Contact PRCS: 262-636-9131

Submit Tree at Risk Information Online

If tree branches are interfering with power lines, do not attempt to trim them yourself. Contact WE Energies directly, as they are responsible for maintaining safe clearance around utility lines. Trees and Power Line Safety | We Energies

For all other tree concerns near streets or alleys that are not related to utilities, contact the City of Racine PRCS Office:

• Phone: 262-636-9131
• Submit Tree at Risk Information Online

The Forestry Division works closely with utility companies and only prunes or removes public trees in coordination with safety standards.

Wood from public tree removals remains the property of the City of Racine. However, the Forestry Division does have a wood chip and wood waste request procedure for residents.

Residents interested in wood chips or other recycled tree materials should contact the Forestry Division for guidance on availability and the proper request process.

Yes. Dangling or fallen limbs can pose an immediate safety hazard to people, vehicles, and property.

Residents should report the situation to the PRCS Office immediately so the Forestry Division can assess and address the hazard promptly:

• Phone: 262-636-9131
• Submit Tree at Risk Information Online

Prompt reporting helps the City respond quickly and reduces the risk of injury or property damage.

The City of Racine Forestry Division strives to respond to all citizen service requests promptly.

• Emergency or hazardous situations (such as dangling limbs or trees threatening property) are prioritized and addressed as quickly as possible.
• Routine requests (like low-hanging branches or general tree concerns) are typically reviewed in the order received. Forestry staff may contact the resident for clarification before scheduling service.

Using the online Tree at Risk submission form is the fastest way to ensure your request reaches the Forestry Division efficiently.

• PRCS Office Contact: 262-636-9131
• Submit Tree at Risk Information Online

Trees located on city-owned or controlled property (including parkways) cannot be removed without approval from the Forestry Division.

If a driveway expansion impacts a public tree:

• Submit a Tree Permit Application through the PRCS Office.
  • Standard Tree Permit: Required for individual tree removal or modification.
  • Annual Tree Permit: For larger projects or ongoing utility work.
• Forestry Division Review:
  • The City Forester evaluates the tree for health, safety, and impact.
  • Trees are only removed if dead, dying, or dangerous, or if removal is approved as part of a public infrastructure project.
• Permit Approval:
  • If approved, the Forestry Division or authorized contractors handle the removal and cleanup.
• Property Owner Responsibility:
  • Residents are responsible for all costs associated with the tree removal if it is approved for a private project like driveway expansion.

Contact PRCS for more information: 262-636-9131
Submit a Tree Permit Application Online

If branches or roots from a neighbor’s tree extend onto your property, Wisconsin law generally allows property owners to trim encroaching branches or roots up to the property line, as long as the work does not harm the overall health of the tree.

Steps to follow:

1. Talk with your neighbor – It’s always best to communicate first and let them know about the encroachment.
2. Trim responsibly – Only remove what is on your property and avoid cutting major limbs that could harm the tree.
3. Do not remove or damage the tree on public property – If the tree is on the city parkway or other public property, contact the Forestry Division instead.

• PRCS Office: 262-636-9131
• Submit Tree at Risk Information Online

The Forestry Division can assess trees on public property and take action if necessary. For trees entirely on private property, resolution is generally between neighbors.

If a tree is on private property, the property owner is generally responsible for maintaining it and addressing hazards.

Steps you can take:

1. Notify your neighbor – Inform them of your concern about the dead or dangerous tree.
2. Document the tree – Take photos and note any visible damage, leaning, or broken limbs.
3. Contact your insurance company – They can advise on coverage or steps to protect your property.
4. If the tree is on city property (parkway, public right-of-way, or alley):
   • Contact the PRCS Office immediately to report the hazard: 262-636-9131
   • Submit Tree at Risk Information Online

The Forestry Division will inspect and address dead, dying, or dangerous trees on public property, but trees on private property must be addressed by the owner.

When tree roots grow under sidewalks, they can cause uneven or lifted panels, creating trip hazards. The City of Racine addresses this carefully to protect both trees and public safety.

How it’s handled:

• Shaving: Often, the raised section of the sidewalk can be shaved down to remove the hazard without cutting large roots. This is safer for the tree and less expensive than full replacement.
• Sidewalk Replacement: If necessary, the affected panel may be replaced using techniques that minimize root damage, such as adding a stone base to redirect root growth and improve drainage.
• Coordination with DPW: All sidewalk issues are reviewed by a Department of Public Works Engineer, in cooperation with the Forestry Division. Residents can contact DPW at 262-636-9484 for sidewalk-related concerns.

This approach helps maintain the health and longevity of urban trees while keeping sidewalks safe for pedestrians.

Tree roots can sometimes intrude into sewer lines, causing blockages or damage.

If the tree is on city property (parkway or public right-of-way):

• Contact the PRCS Office to report the issue: 262-636-9131
• Submit Tree at Risk Information Online
• The Forestry Division will inspect the tree and coordinate with the appropriate city department to address the sewer problem while minimizing damage to the tree.

If the tree is on private property:

• Property owners are typically responsible for managing roots impacting private sewer lines.
• Consider contacting a licensed plumber or certified arborist to safely address the problem.

Prompt reporting helps prevent serious blockages, property damage, and costly repairs while protecting tree health whenever possible.

Brush pick-up in Racine is handled by the Department of Public Works (DPW). DPW publishes a schedule each year for brush collection in different neighborhoods.

For questions about brush pick-up, or to confirm your collection date, contact DPW:

• Phone: 262-636-9171
• Yard Waste – City of Racine

The Forestry Division does not handle brush collection, so all inquiries should be directed to DPW.