Parks and Recreation

Trees, like all living things, naturally decline over time. In urban areas, aging or damaged trees can pose risks to people and property, making removal necessary in certain circumstances.

The Forestry Division is the only city department authorized to remove public trees. Trees will not be removed unless they are dead, dying, or dangerous. Removal may occur due to:

• Natural decline or disease
• Storm damage
• Insect infestations
• Public infrastructure improvements

Public trees are carefully inspected before any removal decision is made. Evaluations include:

1. Annual Survey
   • The Forestry Division conducts a comprehensive survey of all public trees each year. Most trees scheduled for removal are identified during this process.
2. Individual Inspections
   • Trees can be inspected upon request by residents, city departments, WE Energies, and other authorized entities.
3. Pruning Inspections
   • Trees are examined during pruning operations, which can uncover problems not visible during other inspections.
4. Pre-Construction Inspections
   • Trees adjacent to public infrastructure projects are evaluated during planning to ensure safety and proper risk management.

Trees are assessed based on:

• Size and species
• Proximity to people, buildings, and other targets
• Extent of damage or decay
• Presence of disease or insects
• Structural defects
• Impact of current or future construction activities

The Forestry Division’s careful evaluation process ensures that only trees that pose a real risk are removed, keeping Racine’s urban forest safe and thriving.

If you notice a tree that is dead, dying, or dangerous, you have two options for reporting it to the City of Racine:

Call the PRCS Office : 262-636-9131

Submit Online: Click the icon below to go directly to the submission form.

Submit Hazardous Tree Information

When reporting, please include:

• The address of the tree
• The specific location of the tree (for example: “north side of the front of the house” or “on the side street, south of the driveway”)

PRCS Office staff will enter a work order for the Forestry Division and assign a priority code so the tree can be addressed promptly.

Using the online submission form is the quickest way to ensure your report reaches the Forestry Division efficiently.