Urban Forestry

Urban Forestry is defined by American Forestry as the planting, maintenance, care and protection of single trees and tree populations in urban settings. The City of La Crosse Forestry department utilizes this definition to aid in the thoughtful stewardship of our urban forest, promoting environmental sustainability, community well-being and the beautification of our city. We are dedicated to preserving and expanding our green spaces, fostering community engagement, and ensuring a healthy, vibrant urban canopy for present and future generations. 

Urban Forestry Management Plan 

As part of this commitment, the City of La Crosse Forestry Department has completed an Urban Forestry Management Plan. This plan will serve as a roadmap to protect, enhance and maintain La Crosse's tree canopy and the ecological benefits associated with this resource. 

Did you know? 

• The City of La Crosse is dedicated to the care of its urban forest and has been designated a Tree City USA since 1989. 

• The 20,000 trees that line La Crosse’s streets help to control storm water, improve air quality, reduce utilities expenses, increase property value, provide habitat for birds and other native wildlife, and improve neighborhood aesthetics.

• In the summer of 2021, the City had a tree inventory compiled of every single City owned tree in La Crosse. Our Forestry department is able to use that information to better manage and care for La Crosse's urban forest.

• You can add to the City's urban forest by planting a boulevard tree or requesting one be planted for you! 

Report a Tree Concern 

If you have tree concerns or would like to report a boulevard tree problem, please use our Service Request Form.  If you have an immediate concern, you can call our office at 608.789.7533, or if it is outside our office hours and there is an immediate problem, please call the non-emergency police number at 608.785.5962.  Noxious Weed Concerns are now being handled by Community Risk Management and they can be reached at 608.789.7530.

Champion Trees

The City of La Crosse is home to Wisconsin's largest Eastern Cottonwood tree, as determined by the Wisconsin DNR's Champion Tree Program. You can visit this Champion Tree along the Cottonwood Trail, and enjoy a moment on one of the various benches located at the tree's base. Champion Trees are the largest known individual tree of each species in the state. Champion Trees are determined by measuring the tree's circumference, height and average crown spread. 

 

Useful Information

Emerald Ash Borer 

Emerald ash borer (EAB) was confirmed within the City of La Crosse in 2012. The La Crosse City Council adopted a proactive, environmentally conscious Emerald Ash Borer Management Plan Resolution, December 2012.  All untreated ash on public property will be removed and replaced.  Ordinance 10.04 governs all boulevard trees within the City of La Crosse and is in place to keep the public safe.  

EAB Information  |  Licensed Commercial Pesticide  |  TreeAzin Systemic Insecticide  |  Insecticide Options