In the heart of Chicago, residents like Sam Schucher cherish the city’s lush urban forest, which heightens the beauty and walkability of neighborhoods such as Lake View.
Having moved from Boston, Schucher recognizes the richness of trees lining the streets, making his daily walks with his three dogs an enjoyable experience.
However, his enjoyment was dampened a couple of years ago when he witnessed city workers cutting down several seemingly healthy trees in his area.
Schucher’s concerns reflect a wider unease shared by many Chicagoans who have noticed the removal of trees that appear healthy from their exterior.
In response, city officials from the Department of Streets and Sanitation reveal that what might look healthy on the surface often masks underlying issues.
Trees that are cut down may be dead, diseased, or pose safety hazards for residents, prompting necessary removals attuned to the health of the urban forest.
The state of Chicago’s trees has significant implications, extending beyond aesthetic value to encompass public health and environmental benefits.
Experts estimate that the region’s tree canopy generates around $416 million in benefits, including savings on energy costs, stormwater management, and air purification.
Nevertheless, disparities in tree planting and care exist, revealing an uneven distribution of green space throughout the city.
Data from the Chicago Region Trees Initiative at the Morton Arboretum highlights that Chicago’s overall tree canopy coverage stands at roughly 23%, which is on par with other densely populated cities like New York but falls short of the national average of 39%.
Some areas are particularly underrepresented: for example, Lake View boasts about 24% canopy coverage, while neighborhoods in the Southwest Side, such as Brighton Park, languish with only 12%.
This inequity in urban greenery stems in part from a long-standing history of disinvestment in minority communities—exacerbated by practices such as redlining, which prevented many Black families from accessing loans to buy homes, and the proliferation of pollution-heavy industries in these areas.
Commissioner Angela Tovar from the Department of Environment emphasizes the link between community investment and tree canopy coverage, noting that disinvestment creates environmental and health disparities that persist across neighborhoods.
Historically, trees in Chicago have been inconsistently managed, contributing to the differences in canopy coverage.
The Forestry Bureau oversees trees planted on parkways—narrow strips of land positioned between the sidewalks and the streets.
Residents can request the planting of new trees through Citizen Service Requests (CSRs).
This system has inadvertently favored more affluent neighborhoods, where residents may be more informed about the bureaucratic process for tree planting, resulting in higher canopy coverage.
Recognizing the inequalities and challenges surrounding tree management, the Department of the Environment initiated a proactive program titled Our Roots Chicago, which aims to plant 75,000 new trees over five years, with a focus on the most underserved communities.
According to Tovar, the city has already achieved a notable milestone by planting 60,000 new trees since the initiative’s inception and is on course to meet its ambitious target by the end of the year.
Moreover, the predicament extends beyond mere planting, inviting a concerted effort toward better maintenance of existing trees.
Deputy Commissioner James Sheehan of the Forestry Bureau observed that many trees throughout the city had been neglected, leading to issues like blocked sidewalks due to overgrowth that often went unattended for decades.
In 2023, the Bureau embraced a new methodology known as “area trimming;” a shift from the CSR-based maintenance system.
Five teams have been designated to manage tree care across 10 wards each, ensuring that neglected trees receive the attention they need.
In the first two years of this new approach, the city has managed to trim roughly 183,000 trees, a significant uptick compared to the 64,000 trees trimmed in the prior two years under the CSR model.
The success of the area trimming initiative reflects a potential pathway for improving canopy coverage and enhancing the overall urban environment.
Experts assert that while there’s no preset target for optimal canopy coverage, it’s clear that Chicago has ample opportunity for improvement.
Zach Wirtz, director of CRTI at the Morton Arboretum, emphasizes that Chicagoans can take an active role in boosting neighborhood greenery.
Residents can discover how much tree canopy exists in their communities and gain insights into effective planting strategies.
Wirtz encourages citizens to engage with their elected representatives to advocate for tree prioritization within urban planning and development discussions.
Additionally, community members can participate in volunteer initiatives such as the Tree Ambassador Program, the TreeKeepers certification course, or the Urban Forestry Advisory Board through the Our Roots Chicago program.
As Wirtz highlights, trees serve as crucial infrastructure in cities, and unlike roads and bridges that depreciate over time, trees flourish and provide greater benefits as they mature.
“When we plant trees, they actually increase in value, and the more leaf area they have, the more benefits they provide for the community around them,” he adds.
In conclusion, Chicago faces pressing challenges related to its urban forest, but with concerted community effort and strategic action, the city can work toward bridging the gaps in its tree canopy and reaping the myriad benefits trees provide.
image source from：https://www.wbez.org/curious-city/2025/06/11/are-healthy-chicago-trees-getting-the-ax
