The Forestry Division of the Department of Public Works is responsible for the planned and unplanned maintenance of City trees and the general monitoring of the urban forest (collectively, all trees within the boundaries of Oak Creek).  Major responsibilities include the planning and implementation of yearly: planting, pruning, insect and disease management, treatments, removals, stump grinding, and any other aspects of tree canopy management.  

For more information contact our Forestry Division at 414-570-5685.

Linden Trees Winter Update: 

A recent cold snap severely damaged a dozen Linden trees in Oak Creek. Past pruning practices left some trees structurally weak, making them more vulnerable to ice and cold. Find out why these trees were hit hard, what the city is doing about it, and how you can check the trees along your street. Click here to learn more.

Emerald Ash Borer

Oak Creek has had emerald ash borer (EAB) since 2005. For more information see the National  EAB information site.

Nominate a Tree!

The City is accepting nominations for an evergreen tree to be used in the annual Light the Square holiday display in Drexel Town Square. Residents wishing to nominate a tree can do so by filling out the City Holiday Tree Nomination Form below, and providing digital photos showing all sides of the tree. Oak Creek residents and property owners, both businesses and private, are welcome to submit nominations BY SEPTEMBER 16!

Potential trees must exhibit the following features:

• 20 to 35 feet tall evergreen (or top portion of a taller tree)
• Clear of any utility lines or other potential safety concerns
• Accessible by large equipment
• Have a pleasing form: uniformly branched all around, full
• Single stem - without multiple central leaders
• Healthy, free of deadwood, discolored needles, etc.

Approximate harvest time is mid to late November. Trees will be selected by the City Forestry staff.

Please call Spencer Szuta, Forestry Foreman, directly with any questions 414-570-5685.