1. amendments to the Springfield tree ordinance, Arboricultural Specifications Manual, and the urban forestry plan;
2. policy concerning selections, planting, maintenance, and removal of trees, shrubs, and other plants on city-owned property;
3. allocation of funds, grants or gifts to the City of Springfield intended for use by the city arborist, and all expenditures of said funds by the city arborist;
4. establishment or presentation of educational and/or informational horticultural programs for the City of Springfield;
5. development of policies regarding the arborist's duties;
6. issuance of permits or licenses required by the City Code in accordance with the Code or procedures, Rules, or regulations approved by the Commission; and
7. development of procedures, rules, or regulations pursuant to City Code.

• UFC Tree Plan
• Tree Registration & Tree Work Permit Application
• City Council Report 12/15/20
• Arboricultural Specifications Manual

The Arbor Day Foundation announced that Springfield, Illinois was named a 2020 Tree City USA in honor of its commitment to effective urban forest management. The city also received a Tree City, USA Growth Award for demonstrating environmental improvement and higher level of tree care.

Springfield achieved Tree City USA recognition by meeting the program's four requirements: a tree board or department, a tree-care ordinance, an annual community forestry budget of at least $2 per capita, and an Arbor Day observance and proclamation.

The Tree City USA program is sponsored by the Arbor Day Foundation in partnership with the U.S. Forest Service, and the National Association of State Foresters.

Q. What are the best trees to plant in Springfield?

A. That's a good question and the best answer is, it depends on the location. Some nice small trees that would do well in Springfield are: Red Bud, Japanese Maple, and Autumn Brilliance Service Berry. Some recommendations for medium sized trees are: Magnolia, American Hornbeam, and Ironwood. Larger tree recommendations are: Bur Oak, Silver Linden, and Horse Chestnut. Remember that diversity of trees planted is wise, so that disease or insect predators, such as Dutch Elm Disease or the emerald ash borer, don't decimate tree populations across the city.

Under the Canopy, tree guide for planting and caring for trees in Illinois is available from U of I Extension Service, Sangamon County Extension Office at 217.782.4617.

Boston Issues RFP for First Urban Forest Plan

Arbor Day Foundation

American Forests

Chicago Region Tree Initiative

Citizens Club Presentation 3/31/21

Illinois Department of Natural Resources: Urban and Community Forestry Program

Illinois Forestry Association

Morton Arboretum

i-Tree

Trees Forever

U.S. Forest Service: Urban and Community Forestry Program

Ruth Oliver, a tree advocate, and Susan Allen, a UFC member, had a sunny day on September 15, 2021, to add tree messages to a public mural on Third Street between Adams and Monroe Streets in Springfield.