Forestry

A park landscape with trees displaying autumn foliage in shades of yellow, orange, and red, with fallen leaves carpeting the ground under a clear blue sky.

The mission of the City of La Crosse Forestry Department is to protect, enhance and maintain a healthy, sustainable and equitable urban forest through proactive stewardship and community partnership. We are committed to cultivating a diverse and resilient tree canopy that maximizes ecological benefits and improves the livability and well-being of La Crosse for all current and future generations. 

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 all.

Report a Tree Concern

If you have tree concerns or would like to report a boulevard tree problem, please complete a Service Request. If you have an immediate concern, please call our office at (608)-789-7533, or if it is outside our office hours and there is an urgent concern, please call the non-emergency police number at (608)-785-5962. Noxious Weed Concerns are handled by Building & Inspections Department, who can be reached at (608)-789-7530.

Report A Tree Concern

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. 

View the Urban Forestry Management Plan(PDF, 10MB)

La Crosse Forestry Facts

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

 

Useful Information

  • To view City of La Crosse Municipal Ordinances related to tree care on public boulevards, please refer to Municipal Code Chapter 34, Article V.
  • The City of La Crosse has curated a list of recommended and prohibited tree species based on the above ordinance. To review this list, please visit the City of La Crosse Tree Species List(PDF, 183KB)

 

Arboretum & Community Orchards Memorial Trees & Benches Tree Planting