What We Do

Overview

Forest trees can live for more than 100 years, but urban trees, forced to contend with  limited space for growth and an array of other unnatural stresses, may survive for no more  than 15 years unless they receive special attention.  Anywhere from 6,000 to 10,000 trees can die in Chicago in a single year--from storm damage, drought, insect pests and other causes.  TreeKeepers have worked throughout the city to keep its trees healthy, administering proper care and promptly recognizing and reporting harmful pests, such as the emerald ash borer (EAB), an invasive beetle from Asia that targets and kills ash trees.

Trees can be an instrument of empowerment in a neighborhood. The presence of trees promotes use of outdoor space, social activity, and social contact between neighbors. The use of public open space as a neighborhood common space strengthens ties among residents and deters crime, thereby creating healthier, safer neighborhoods.  Strengthen your neighborhood by learning about and caring for your community trees as a certified TreeKeeper.

For more information, please contact trees@openlands.org.

Support for Openlands' TreeKeepers Program is generously provided by:

Bartlett Tree Experts

The Richard H. Driehaus Foundation

NIB Foundation

The Siragusa Foundation