Planting and Maintaining Trees
Residents, landlords, businesses, non-profits, and governments can all plant trees. Everyone has a different responsibility to both plant, care for, and maintain trees, depending on who you are. Learn more about planting the right tree.
Right Tree, Right Place
A healthy community forest begins with careful planning. It is important to consider the following questions when selecting a tree for your yard or any planting projects:
How tall will the tree be when fully grown?
How wide will the tree be when fully grown?
How long will it take to reach full size?
What kind of soil, sun, and moisture does this tree need?
Is this tree native to Ohio?
Planting the right tree in the right place not only ensures the tree has a long and healthy life, but also can mitigate potential damage from storms and invasive species.
The following tools are available to help select the right tree. Also consider consulting an Arborist (trained tree expert).
The Cleveland Metroparks Tree Selector
The Tree Selector tool will help guide tree species selection process for any type of planting project. This includes residential and commercial properties.
The results will display all native Ohio tree species that fit your filters.
i-Tree is a state-of-the-art, peer-reviewed software suite from the USDA Forest Service.
Calculate both urban and rural forestry analysis and benefits assessment tools.
Quantify the environmental benefits that trees provide.
Public and Private Trees
Download the 2020 Tree Selection Guide.
According to research conducted by Holden Forests & Gardens (2020), the twenty-five largest landowners, as well as the grouping of private residential landowners, manage two-thirds of land area in Cleveland and 80% of its urban forest. In order to reach our urban canopy goals, Cleveland must work to increase tree planting and maintenance of existing trees on both public and private properties.
Public trees are maintained by the City of Cleveland’s Division of Urban Forestry. These trees may be in the public right of way (ROW), on city property, in cemeteries, and in city parks.
Private trees are planted and maintained by private residents and businesses. The landowner is responsible for all tree care.
If you are concerned about a tree on Cleveland public property, visit the Cleveland 3-1-1 Non-Emergency Services website. In the event of an emergency, please call 9-1-1.
