Urban Forestry

Urban Forestry Program Overview

Hudson's tree canopy is 20% street and park trees and 80% on private property. The Hudson Public Works Department oversees the management of all public trees. The City created the Urban Forestry Board in 2010 to engage residents and seek their advice in setting goals and budgets. The Board and staff secured several matching grants from the Wisconsin DNR to conduct a complete inventory of public trees and assess their condition, develop an Emerald Ash Borer Preparedness Plan, Urban Forest Management Plan, and to update the tree ordinance. These tools now guide the planting and care of over 7,000 trees along our streets, in active park areas, and on other city owned properties. For program activity details, see the Tree Planting and Maintenance web page.  

Benefits of Trees

Properly cared for, trees are a growing public asset that appreciate in value over time. The benefits in storm water management, energy conversation, carbon sequestration, property values and wildlife habitat are worth a minimum of $3 for every $1 invested in planting and care. Visit the International Society of Arboriculture website to learn more about the blue of trees. 

The City of Hudson has received the Honor of Tree city USA each year since 2010. Tree City USA is a national program that provides communities around the country with a framework for managing their tree resources.

• To achieve Tree City USA status, our community is required to meet four core standards of urban forestry management. Those standards are: 
  • 1. Maintaining a tree department. 
  • 2. Having a community tree ordinance. 
  • 3. Spending at least $2 per capital on urban forestry. 
  • 4. Celebrating Arbor Day.
  • 
    
  • To learn more about Tree City USA, please visit the Arbor Day Foundation.

Learn more about local success stories from across the state in the Wisconsin DNR's monthly Urban Forestry News.