Tree Planting

A young tree with green and yellowing leaves stands in a park, surrounded by trees with autumn foliage and fallen leaves on the ground.

Boulevard trees are an essential part of the urban landscape in the City of La Crosse. These trees provide numerous benefits to the city, such as improving air quality, reducing stormwater runoff, and providing shade and beauty to the streets. La Crosse has a diverse array of boulevard trees, including varieties of both coniferous and deciduous trees. The city has also implemented a tree planting program to ensure a healthy and sustainable urban forest. We encourage residents to plant and care for trees on boulevards adjacent to their properties to further enhance the beauty and benefits of the city's urban forest.

 

Plant Your Own Tree

Boulevard Tree Permits are required for any planting within the City of La Crosse owned right-of-ways. Permits can be completed by property owners, with no fee associated. Complete and submit the Boulevard Tree Planting Permit to begin. Our arborist will evaluate your planting site for the best possible planting location. Please review the Boulevard Tree Planting Policies(PDF, 196KB) prior to submitting your application.

Apply To Plant

Before your plant: 

Permits are issued with the understanding that the property owner will be responsible for planting the tree and will comply with ordinances 34-144 of the City of La Crosse Municipal Code. The planted tree then becomes property of the city with pruning and determination of removal governed by the Forestry Division. Watering and fertilizing care for the tree will be provided by the homeowner. In determining the site to plant the tree, existing utilities must be considered. No large under power wires, 15' from power poles, 15' from hydrants and 6' from underground gas, water and sewer lines. 

Sec. 34-144 of the City of La Crosse Municipal Code provides guidance for the planting and care of boulevard trees including: 

  • Trees must be of 1.5 inch caliper (1.5 inch diameter of trunk, 6 inches from base).
  • No tree shall be planted within 30 feet of an intersection. 
  • No tree shall be planted within 2 feet of curb line or sidewalk. 
  • Minimum distance between trees will be 35 feet. 

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Request a Free Tree

You can request a boulevard tree, and our team will plant one for you during the spring or fall planting seasons. While you can share preferences, tree selection is based on site conditions and long-term success.

You may request a tree by either completing an online application, or calling our Forestry Coordinator.

Request a Free Tree

Please note: Each boulevard tree request is reviewed by staff. Factors such as location, underground and overhead utilities, and surrounding trees may influence the location, species or approval of your request.

For more information regarding trees on public property, please review Municipal Code Chapter 34, Article V: Trees on Public Property. Specifically, sec. 34-144. - Regulations for planting and care of trees. 

Tree Care

Watering

Watering newly planted trees is crucial to help establish strong root systems, especially within our boulevards. Newly planted trees should receive about 1 inch of water, 2-3 times per week until the ground is frozen. Proper watering ensures the development of healthy root systems, increasing their chances of survival and growth. Consistent watering reduces stress and encourages roots to grow deeper, making our urban canopy more resilient to drought and environmental changes. Learn more about proper watering by reviewing the City's Tree Watering Letter(PDF, 189KB) .

Mulching

Mulches are applied to the soil surface to maintain moisture and improve soil conditions. However, if misapplied, mulch may have little, or even negative, impact on trees. Learn more about proper mulching techniques by reviewing ISA Guidelines for Proper Mulching(PDF, 502KB).

Tree Health Information

Monitoring tree health is crucial for maintaining both environmental and economic value. Healthy trees provide numerous benefits, such as carbon sequestration, air purification, shade and habitats for wildlife. Healthy trees increase in value with age and increase property values, beautify surroundings, purify air, and save energy by providing cooling shade from summer’s heat and protection from winter’s wind. 

Learn more about how to monitor and manage your trees health by visiting the International Society of Arboriculture's Trees Are Good webpage. 

City-Owned Street Trees

A person in a safety vest operates a wood chipper next to a tree with brown leaves, with houses and snow visible in the background under a cloudy sky.

All street trees are considered city-owned boulevard trees. This means that trees are under the care and jurisdiction of the La Crosse Forestry Department. Watering and monitoring of these trees is greatly appreciated, however more specialized care is reserved for the arborists within the forestry staff. 

Should trees require assessment, pruning, or other significant work, residents are reminded to submit an online request for service or call the department at 608-789-8679

 

 

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