Kirkland Tree Advisory Commission Kirkland Tree Advisory Commission

The Kirkland Tree Commission will develop an Urban Forest Plan that will be fully diverse, stocked, healthy and safe. A variety of native and cultivar species will be used to provide seasonal color and wildlife habitats as well as to enhance the attractiveness of the community to visitors and prospective businesses; and to ensure the general welfare of residents by reducing energy costs, increasing property values, improving air quality, manage stormwater, and promote a sense of well being.

The Kirkland Tree Commission will coordinate with other planning bodies to develop parks and greenspace for the betterment of the community and by using the care of public trees, will seek to educate and inspire residents to maintain trees on private property in an
environmentally responsible manner. The Kirkland Tree Commission will support and abide by Village policy.

The cost of maintaining the urban forest will be reduced by properly selecting and placing trees, regular maintenance, sound environmental practices and the use of grant/public funding when possible.

The Kirkland Tree Commission has developed this urban forest plan to provide clear direction and achievable goals to help manage the preservation, protection and enhancement of the urban forest within the community. This plan provides a foundation and guidance for community ordinances and regulations that allow the Village Board and other decision makers to be able to support high quality management, planting and preservation of the urban forest by public and private landowners.

The urban forest consists of the trees on public and private property throughout the Village of Kirkland. These trees are located along rights-of-way, parks, around buildings, along pathways, in out-lots, in natural areas, backyards, commercial and industrial areas throughout the entire community. This urban forest provides an interconnected network of services. These services and benefits include improved air and water quality, reduction in stormwater run-off, increased property values, energy reduction, improved psychological and physical health and habitats for wildlife.