Urban Forestry

The Forestry Division is responsible for the care and management of all publicly managed trees which make up Sun Prairie's urban forest. The Forestry Division leads two large-scale tree plantings annually, oversees tree pruning  and removal operations, implements the City's EAB management program, and provides care for all 10,000+ of the City's public trees.

The City of Sun Prairie is proud to be a recipient of the Tree City USA designation for 25+ years, as well as the Growth Award for the implementation of a city-wide public tree inventory.  These designations from the Arbor Day Foundation demonstrates the City's commitment to environmental sustainability by implementing the framework to help maintain and grow Sun Prairie's urban forest.

Please note that the Forestry Division does not get involved with trees on private property, unless the tree is deemed a public nuisance as defined by section 12.40.020 of the City of Sun Prairie's municipal code.

Annual Tree Planting Program

The Forestry Division oversees two city-wide tree plantings, occurring in the Spring and Fall, where typically, 200-300 new publicly managed trees are planted in Sun Prairie.  These plantings are generally focused towards areas of new construction and road reconstruction projects. 

Any planting of trees or shrubs within the public right of way without the written consent of the City Forester is prohibited as stated in section 12.40.070 of the City of Sun Prairie's Municipal Code.

Tree Pruning

The Forestry Division is responsible for all pruning of trees within the public right of way for the purpose of maintaining proper clearance for vehicular and pedestrian traffic, promoting good structure, removing dead and/or dying branching, or mitigating hazards. Any pruning of a tree within the public right of way without the written consent of the City Forester is prohibited as stated in section 12.40.070 of the City of Sun Prairie's municipal code. 

Forestry Resources

• City of Sun Prairie Tree & Shrub Ordinance
• Wisconsin Arborist Association
• Tree City USA Program