Forestry

What does the forestry department do?

►►Click here for the City Tree Inventory & Condition Dashboard.  

The Forestry Department manages the city’s urban forest, focusing on the health, safety, and sustainability of public trees. This includes planting, pruning, and removing trees, addressing safety concerns, and implementing long-term plans to enhance and expand the city’s tree canopy. Additionally, the department works on environmental conservation, storm water management, and improving community well-being through tree maintenance and planting initiatives. It also educates residents about the importance of trees, manages threats like the Emerald Ash Borer (EAB), and responds to residents’ concerns about terrace and public trees. In 2023, an Urban Forestry Management Plan and Tree Inventory Analysis was completed to provide a comprehensive strategy for our urban forest. To view our City of Two Rivers Urban Forestry Plan & Tree Inventory Analysis click here.

What trees does the forestry department manage?

Terrace Trees - Terrace trees are trees planted in the public right-of-way, typically between the sidewalk and the curb of the street. These trees are city-owned and maintained by the Parks and Recreation Department. They provide shade, enhance the aesthetic of the street, and contribute to the overall environmental health of the community. 

Trees on City Property - The Forestry Department is responsible for all trees located on city-owned land, such as parks, public buildings, and recreational areas. Maintenance activities include planting, pruning, removal, and disease management to ensure tree safety and health, while also enhancing public spaces. The department actively manages threats like invasive pests and works to increase tree diversity and canopy coverage on public property.

Private Trees that Pose a Risk to the Public - While private trees are generally the responsibility of the property owner, the Forestry Department intervenes when a private tree poses a safety risk to public areas, such as sidewalks, streets, or parks. In such cases, the department notifies the property owner to address the hazard. If necessary, enforcement actions may be taken to ensure public safety, particularly when trees violate city ordinances or create dangerous conditions.

How do I request work to be done on a terrace tree?

Contact the Parks and Recreation Office at 920-793-5592, email lauhoo@two-rivers.org, or visit the office in person between 8:00 am – 4:00 pm, Monday – Friday.

How does the forestry department prioritize work to be done on terrace trees?

All city terrace trees were inventoried in fall 2023. The forestry department has prioritized which trees need to be addressed in order of the condition of the tree. At the time of the inventory, there were 429 trees that needed to be removed because they were dead or dying. There were an additional 133 trees that needed pruning to reduce a significant hazard. Removing terrace trees often requires a contractor with specialized equipment. The city has limited resources and cannot address all the trees at once. The tier list below will provide additional information about how we prioritize tree work. Healthy trees that are not on our removal or pruning list will be a very low priority. However, the condition of trees does change over time so please contact our department if there are concerns. To learn more about the city tree inventory and the condition of specific trees visit our tree inventory dashboard. 

►►Click here for the City Tree Inventory & Condition Dashboard.  
 

Tier 1 - Height Clearance Ordinance Violations Street Trees – Street trees that have been struck by traffic or maintenance vehicles or by pedestrians on the sidewalk because they are not complying with the city’s height clearance ordinance (Sec. 7-4-9-B-1). Trees will be immediately addressed by city staff.

Tier 2 - 4-D Trees – Trees that are dead, dying, diseased or dangerous. Trees affecting the sidewalk or sanitary sewer laterals do not fall into this category. Trees will be placed on a list by city staff for removal or pruning by city staff or the City’s contractor based on severity, safety, and available budget. There are far more 4-D trees.

Tier 3 - Public Nuisance or Private Hazard Trees – Trees that have been in violation of a city tree ordinance and are on private property but affecting the public right of way. Letters will be sent to these homeowners to correct the violations. Trees will be dealt with individually depending on severity and safety but will normally be addressed by the homeowners.

Tier 4 - All Other Trees – Trees that have been requested to be removed or trimmed and do not fall into the other categories. Trees will be noted by the Parks and Recreation Department but will not be scheduled for any type of maintenance performed by the city. Property owners with street trees that fall into tier 2 or 4 and would like to remove the tree by using a contractor may apply for a Street Tree Removal Permit.

How do I plant a tree on my terrace?

Tree Planting Permit Application - Complete the attached form and return it to the Parks & Recreation Department office to plant a tree on the terrace.

Tree Planting Resources:

https://dnr.wisconsin.gov/topic/urbanforests/treeplantingresources

https://www.wisconsinpublicservice.com/services/tree-planting

https://www.arborday.org/trees/index-planting.cfm

https://learningstore.extension.wisc.edu/collections/urban-forestry

The Importance of Trees in our Community

Trees are more than just a beautiful part of our landscape—they are vital to the health, wellness, and sustainability of our city. They provide numerous benefits:

• Clean Air: Trees act as natural air filters by absorbing carbon dioxide and releasing oxygen, improving the air quality for our community.
• Stormwater Management: By absorbing rainwater, trees reduce runoff, lessen flooding risks, and help maintain water quality in local rivers and lakes.
• Energy Savings: Strategically placed trees offer shade in the summer and block cold winds in the winter, reducing energy use in nearby buildings.
• Wildlife Habitat: Trees offer food and shelter to birds, mammals, and insects, maintaining biodiversity and enriching the local ecosystem.
• Community Well-Being: Studies have shown that urban greenery can reduce stress, improve mental health, and increase social interaction, making trees essential to our overall well-being.

Tree Resources

https://dnr.wisconsin.gov/topic/urbanforests/treecenter 

https://dnr.wisconsin.gov/topic/urbanforests/conference

Emerald Ash Borer

While trees offer immense value, our urban forest faces a serious threat: the Emerald Ash Borer (EAB), a non-native invasive insect. Since its discovery in the United States in 2002, EAB has rapidly spread, causing significant damage to ash tree populations across the country. EAB is expected to kill 99% of Wisconsin ash trees. Once infested with EAB it is very difficult to stop a tree from dying. At the time our tree inventory was completed in 2023, there were 285 ash trees on terraces and public property in Two Rivers. There are many more on private property throughout the city.

Here’s why EAB is a critical concern for our city:

• Destruction of Ash Trees: EAB larvae feed on the inner bark of ash trees, disrupting the tree’s ability to transport nutrients and water. This results in the tree’s death within 3-5 years of infestation.
• Economic Costs: The removal and replacement of dead or dying ash trees can be costly for cities and property owners alike, impacting budgets and resources.
• Loss of Urban Canopy: Ash trees make up a significant portion of our city’s tree population. Their loss can dramatically decrease canopy coverage, reducing the environmental benefits that trees provide.
• Increased Risk of Hazardous Trees: As ash trees die, they become brittle and pose a risk of falling branches, creating safety hazards in public spaces.

What Can We Do?

• Monitoring and Early Detection: Our city forestry team actively monitors the ash tree population and surveys for signs of EAB infestation.
• Treatment and Removal: Treatment with insecticides can protect some ash trees, while heavily infested trees may need to be safely removed and replaced with more resilient species.
• Community Involvement: Residents can help by keeping an eye out for signs of EAB, including D-shaped exit holes in the bark, dying branches, and increased woodpecker activity. If you suspect EAB infestation, report it to the city's forestry department.

Together, we can protect our urban forest and ensure a healthy, thriving tree canopy for future generations.

Emerald Ash Borer Resources

https://dnr.wisconsin.gov/topic/urbanforests/eabtoolbox 

https://hort.extension.wisc.edu/articles/protecting-your-tree-emerald-ash-borer/ 

https://eab.russell.wisc.edu/ 

https://manitowoc.extension.wisc.edu/emerald-ash-borer/ 

Other Commonly Asked Questions:

1.  What do I do if my neighbors’ tree is overhanging onto my property?

If a tree on your neighbor’s property is overhanging onto your property, you have the legal right to trim the branches back to the property line, provided it does not harm the tree's overall health. It’s recommended to communicate with your neighbor before taking action. 

2.  What do I do if a tree, shrub, bush, other vegetation on private property is overhanging the sidewalk?

Vegetation on private property that overhangs sidewalks must be maintained to ensure safe clearance for pedestrians. Property owners are responsible for trimming back this growth to meet city ordinances. If the situation is not resolved, report the issue to the Parks and Recreation Department for investigation and follow-up with the property owner.

3. Will the city remove a healthy city owned terrace tree? How does the city determine if a tree is healthy?

It is very unlikely that the city will remove healthy terrace trees. In 2023, the city contracted with a certified arborist to complete a tree inventory of all street trees in the city. All of the trees were assessed for their condition and potential risks. For more clarification on this topic, see the section above entitled, “How does the forestry department prioritize work to be done on terrace trees?”

4. What do I do if a terrace tree is pushing up my sidewalk?

If a terrace tree is causing the sidewalk to lift or crack, report it to the City of Two Rivers Department of Public Works. Depending on the severity, the department may need to remove the tree or prune the roots to ensure pedestrian safety. Sidewalk repairs may also be necessary and coordinated with the city’s Department of Public Works.

Public Works Department-Engineering Office
Main Office: (920)793-5539
Business Hours: 
(September 7, 2024 - January 2025)
Monday - Thursday - 7:30 AM - 5:00 PM / Friday - 7:30 AM - 11:30 AM

4.  Will the city remove a tree if it is causing issues with my sanitary sewer lateral?

Trees causing issues with sanitary sewer laterals are not classified as "4-D Trees" under the current prioritization list. Property owners are responsible for addressing sewer lateral problems, which may involve tree root management. The property owner can cut or chemically treat roots that extend onto their property.

 5.  What if a tree is near power lines? 

Trees that are near power lines need proper trimming to avoid causing outages. The Two Rivers Utilities Electric Department has an annual trimming schedule every year. Crews trim branches near lines in a section of the City on a rotating cycle. 

6. Who should a citizen contact if they have a concern about trees or branches near power lines?

Two Rivers Electric Utility Office 
Main Office: (920) 793-5550
Business Hours:                                                          
(April 15th - November 1st) Monday -Thursday 6:30 AM - 4:30 PM / Friday 6:30 AM - 10:30 AM
(November 2nd - April 14th) Monday -Thursday 6:30 AM - 3:30 PM / Friday 6:30 AM - 10:30 AM