Forestry
The Forestry Section is responsible for planting and maintenance of city trees. Trees growing on city street rights of way or on other city properties are owned by the City of Manhattan and thus controlled by city ordinance. This ordinance regulates the planting, pruning, and removal of city trees. These activities require the issuance of a permit through the forestry supervisor.
Tree City USA
The forestry section also consults with all other city departments whenever trees and/or vegetation is an issue. For the past 29 years, the City of Manhattan's Urban Forestry Program has earned the "Tree City USA" designation. This is an award given by the National Arbor Day Foundation to cities that demonstrate a serious commitment to urban forestry. In the past ten years, the City of Manhattan has earned two "Tree City USA Growth Awards" for improvements made to the Urban Forestry Program.
The forestry section coordinates an annual Spring Street Tree Planting Program. The City of Manhattan purchases approximately 200 trees each year to be planted on the city street rights of way. Anyone can request a tree be planted by filling out a simple application. These forms are accepted March 1 through March 31 each year. The forestry section also answers requests from citizens to inspect city trees and take appropriate measures. These include tree improvement pruning, removal of defective trees and other tree maintenance activities.
For information regarding city-owned trees, tree maintenance or other tree and vegetation issues, contact the forestry section at 785-587-2754.
Report a Tree down on Public Property
Download the City of Manhattan Report It! app or use the city's website to report tree limbs down on public property (generally in the street or between the sidewalk and the street). You can also call 785-587-2754, or after hours and on weekends, please call the Riley County Police Department at 785-537-2112.