City of Detroit to plant 10,000 trees over next three years

One of our favorite stories of the last couple years is on the history of trees in Detroit. It's a great example of the ways decisions made hundreds of years ago, about things as seemingly mundane as tree planting, can have a direct impact on the present landscape of our city. 

Because trees take years to mature and their roots can wreak havoc on man-made infrastructure, it's important to plant (and plan) now. 

The city of Detroit, which recently announced the planting of 10,000 trees over the next three years, is doing just that. Called the "10,000 Up" initiative, the goal is to replace the thousands of trees lost over the years to disease, the emerald ash bore, or other causes. 

"Detroit used to be known as a city of trees, but we have lost so many over the past several decades to various causes," said general services department director, Brad Dick, in a press release. "We've been putting a lot of energy into removing the dangerous dead trees and felt it was time to get back to planting new trees because they add so much to the community and the environment."

What's also neat, is that Detroit residents will have a say in where the trees will go. "Neighborhood groups, block club associations, and residents can notify the Forestry Department where they would like the trees to be planted. A survey will be created where inspectors can collect addresses and verify if the areas mentioned by residents are viable enough to plant a tree."

Would you like to request a tree planting in your neighborhood? Contact the Forestry Department here.