Trees

Urban and community trees have costs associated with their establishment, maintenance and conservation but have the potential to provide many benefits and add great value to communities. The costs involved in urban forestry include tree purchase and planting, tree and stump removal and disposal, annual trimming, irrigation, pest and disease control, litter and storm cleanup, infrastructure damage, litigation and program administration. An often overlooked cost is neglect, abuse or poor maintenance of the trees which result in the poor health of the tree and becomes an additional liability for the tree owner. While there are many costs associated with establishing urban and community forests, the benefits far outweigh the expense.

Click here for a tree management cost worksheet taken from the Mississippi Urban and Community Forestry Management Manual. This worksheet will assist in planning for costs associated with tree conservation and management.