The Forestry Division of the Parks Department manages the city’s 27,400 street trees, as well as all trees in city parks and on public property. It handles more than 2,000 service requests from Providence residents each year, including dead tree removal, tree pruning, pick-up of fallen branches, and stump removal.
Tree Planting
The Forestry Division plants trees as a partner in the Providence Neighborhood Planting Program (PNPP), with matched financing from the Mary Elizabeth Sharpe Providence Neighborhood Planting Program (PNPP) Fund of the Rhode Island Foundation. PNPP plants approximately 500 trees per year throughout the city with the help of neighborhood residents. Additionally, Forestry plants individual trees for homeowners through a “match cost” program and issues free permits to residents who wish to plant their own trees within the city right-of-way.
Tree Pruning
In addition to resident requests, Forestry began systematically pruning all city street trees in 2016, initiating a 10-year cycle. To learn more about the City’s “Block Pruning” program, visit the page linked below.
Tree Treatment
Emerald Ash Borer (EAB) is an invasive species that attacks and kills ash trees. The City of Providence has implemented preventative measures to treat selected ash trees to minimize infestations and preserve City-owned ash trees. To learn more about EAB, how to identify an ash tree, and the treatment methods being used, click here.
