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Trees & Park Maintenance

The tree management division works closely with the Wilmington Tree Commission to support tree planting activities that contribute to making the city an inviting and pleasant community for residents and visitors.

New street tree locations (that did not previously have trees) are decided based on: citizen requests and grant opportunities that allow new trees (conforming to grant requirements).
Staff recommendations for shade or aesthetic improvements within city parks and properties.
Species are chosen based on prior experience, suggestions from area nurseries, stake holder recommendations, staff arborist’s knowledge and citizen preference (when appropriate).

Trees We Plant(PDF, 131KB)

City Tree Planting Practices(PDF, 389KB)

Tree Planting Statistics

The city has planted more than 3,500 trees since the beginning of 2020. This number includes county, Alliance for Cape Fear Trees & Cape Fear Community College plantings.

Partnering with the Alliance for Cape Fear Trees, the city has given away more than 10,000 trees and seedlings to the public.

Maintenance

The City’s Tree Maintenance Section is responsible for maintaining the city’s urban forest, leading tree preservation efforts, and participating in the site development review process for adherence to the city’s tree codes.

City staff maintains:

30,000+ street trees on more than 450 miles of city-owned streets
40 miles of NCDOT roads containing approximately 2,500 trees
750 acres of city owned properties including city parks, athletic & recreation facilities, city lots and other government properties.

Our trees consist of a variety of species and range from newly planted to 100+ years old.

Emergency Response for City Public Trees

To report a damaged city tree that may be causing immediate danger, please call 911. Please note that many damaged city tree-related concerns are not immediately actionable by the city.