Shade Tree Management
A shade tree is any individual tree growing in an active-use area of the Park District. Since 1977, we have planted a minimum of 500 young shade trees each year to enhance the landscape of Three Rivers Park District property and provide shade for park guests. Proper maintenance allows the trees to reach maturity without developing poor tree architecture or growth patterns which would present safety hazards to the public.
Density
Young trees are planted at a density of around 200 trees per acre to encourage the survival and ultimate maturation of 25 to 70 trees.
Maintenance
Shade trees receive maintenance as needed from Forestry Management staff or a professional tree care provider, depending on the size of the tree and scope of care. Forest trees, defined as trees in natural areas or areas that are not accessible to the public, do not receive routine maintenance.
Hazard Tree Program
A hazard tree has one or more structural defects that increase the risk of failure or fracture and pose a risk to park guests or property. Our hazard tree inspection program is intended to decrease the risks these trees pose.
Trained Forestry Management staff routinely performs hazard tree inspections, particularly following a major storm. When a hazardous tree is identified, part or all of the tree will be removed to eliminate the danger. Written records are kept of all corrective actions.
