New Haven’s urban forest includes all the trees along our streets, in parks, in yards or gardens, on rooftops, in cemeteries, forested areas, greenways, and watersheds. Trees are critical green infrastructure with social, economical, environmental, and communal benefits.

Trees benefit all residents of New Haven by:

• providing shade in the summer that cools our homes and streets while protecting us from harmful UV rays;
• filtering particulates in the air, providing oxygen, and improving asthma rates;
• protecting water quality by capturing storm-water runoff and preventing water pollution and soil erosion;
• increasing property values and business traffic;
• Reducing violence and making streets safer for pedestrians
• Combating climate change
• Providing beauty and aesthetics that contribute to less stress

The New Haven Department of Parks and Public Works Tree Division is tasked with caring for and maintaining the City’s 29,500+ street trees, as well as trees within our parks and public green spaces. The core mission of the City of New Haven Tree Division is to ensure fair access by all current and future residents of the Elm City to the many benefits that trees provide, while also balancing the risks that hazard trees pose; providing timely, safe and efficient emergency services; combating climate change; and promoting policies that sustain a healthy and diverse urban forest.

Please read through the information below to understand the City of New Haven Tree System, learn how to report a problem, request a free tree, or learn more about utility tree work in New Haven.