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Tree Pruning
Public Tree Pruning
Trees in urban areas require more attention than forest trees because of their close proximity to people and infrastructureThe basic systems and services, such as transportation and power supplies. Proper pruning and care helps:
- Manage risk to people and property
- Promote tree health and longevity
- Maximize aesthetic appeal
- Ensure safe pedestrian and vehicular clearance
- Maintain tree structure and form
- Support routine maintenance for longevity
City arboristsA specialist in the care and maintenance of trees are responsible for pruning trees on city-owned or controlled property. Properly pruned trees are healthier, safer, and live longer, enhancing the beauty and safety of Racine’s urban forest.
Common Maintenance Tasks
City arboristsA specialist in the care and maintenance of trees perform a variety of care activities, including:
- Pruning
- Watering
- Fertilization
- Aeration
- Mulching
- Root pruning
- Cabling and bracing
- Lightning protection
- Other specialized maintenance
Note: Apart from watering and maintaining mulch, pruning public trees and other maintenance activities require a permit.
See Tree Permits for details.
Tree Zone Map & Pruning Schedule
To help residents understand when their trees will be maintained, the City of Racine is divided into tree maintenance zones. Each zone has a specific pruning schedule to ensure public trees remain healthy, safe, and visually appealing.
Find Your Zone
Use our interactive Tree Zone Map to locate the zone for your street or neighborhood:
Pruning Schedule by Zone
Each zone has a rotating pruning schedule to manage workload and minimize disruption:
Cycle Pruning Schedule: 2018-2044
| Zone | All Trees | Young Trees | All Trees | Young Trees | All Trees | Young Trees | All Trees | Young Trees |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | 2019 | 2022 | 2025 | 2028 | 2031 | 2034 | 2037 | 2040 |
| 2 | 2020 | 2023 | 2026 | 2029 | 2032 | 2035 | 2038 | 2041 |
| 3 | 2021 | 2024 | 2027 | 2030 | 2033 | 2036 | 2039 | 2042 |
| 4 | 2022 | 2025 | 2028 | 2031 | 2034 | 2037 | 2040 | 2043 |
| 5 | 2023 | 2020 | 2029 | 2026 | 2035 | 2038 | 2041 | 2044 |
| 6 | 2018 | 2021 | 2024 | 2027 | 2030 | 2033 | 2036 | 2039 |
Residents are encouraged to check their zone to know when city arboristsA specialist in the care and maintenance of trees will be working in their area. This helps plan around pruning schedules and ensures trees are properly maintained.
Need Assistance?
If you have questions about your zone or pruning schedule, contact the Forestry DivisionThe act or process of dividing; state of being divided. at 262-636-9131 or visit the Parks, RecreationActivity done for enjoyment when one is not working. & Cultural Services Department at City Hall Annex, 800 Center Street, Room 127
Off Cycle Pruning
Off Cycle Pruning – we also conduct ‘off-cycle’ pruning to address pruning needs that can’t wait until the scheduled cycle pruning. Off-cycle pruning is usually limited to high priority needs such as very low branches, branches touching homes, branches blocking street lights or traffic signals, or removal of large dead or dangerous branches. Most off-cycle pruning occurs between April and October.
If you think your tree cannot wait for scheduled cycle pruning, contact our office and request an inspection.
