Chicago Region Trees Initiative

Tree Management Plans

Create detailed policies and practices for planting, pruning, and protecting trees.

Content Detail

A formal tree management plan, also called an urban forestry management plan, can help communities in caring for trees and improving their tree canopy.

A tree management plan can guide local officials to provide trained professionals to care for trees, plant diverse species, and allocate funds for tree maintenance and planning. A management plan can also set standards and formalize practices concerning trees and make sure trees are considered in planning and budgeting.

The plan may include such topics as:

  • Tree canopy goals
  • Guidelines for tree care
  • Criteria for selecting tree planting sites
  • Instructions for selecting trees
  • Timelines for tree trimming cycles
  • Processes for making decisions to remove trees

Resources

Resources are available to help develop a tree management plan.

Tree Management Plan template

Tree Risk Tool Kit

Community Tree Canopy Summaries

Urban Forest Management Plan Tool Kit from the Inland Urban Forest Council

 

A tree management plan may also be relevant to a community’s tree preservation ordinance or policies. Learn more about how to build laws to protect trees.