Fox Point Proposes Tree Planting

The Fox Point Tree Commission is proposing a Tree Planting Initiative

Fox Point has always been known for its beautiful tree canopy.

But with challenges like the Emerald Ash Borer and the occasional clear-cutting of properties, Fox Point has studied and is now recommending ways to maintain the community’s natural beauty.

In a report to the village board, chair of the Fox Point Tree Commission Eric Fonstad outlined ways to encourage more tree planting in the village.

“Trees help define Fox Point’s semi-rural character and have always been valued in Fox Point, as evidenced by Fox Point's 36 years of being recognized as a Tree City,” Fonstad wrote. “The benefits to the Village of maintaining a healthy tree canopy are many, including stormwater management, erosion control, improved air quality, enhanced property values and biodiversity.”

To tackle this, the Fox Point Tree Commission is proposing a Tree Planting Initiative aimed at encouraging residents to plant more trees on their own properties. Here’s everything you need to know under a new proposal.

The village would purchase 25 additional trees as part of its regular spring tree order. These trees will be available to residents at cost, providing an affordable opportunity for you to enhance your property while also supporting the community’s overall green cover.

• Choose from a list of four species that best suit your property.

• Indicate where you plan to plant the tree on your property.

• The Village Forester will review applications and approve those that align best with the Village’s tree canopy enhancement goals.

• Any trees not purchased by residents will be planted by the Village on public property.

To make sure these trees thrive, residents who purchase trees would attend a one-hour workshop on proper tree planting and care. The workshop fee is just $250, covering important knowledge to ensure your tree grows strong and healthy.

The initiative is designed to be efficient and cost-effective. No additional Village funds will be required beyond the normal tree purchasing budget, and trees that aren't bought by residents will simply be planted by the Village the following year.

In their April 8th meeting, the Village Board requested more research into how other communities handle similar programs to resolve logistics and cost details before potentially proceeding.

In a similar initiative to encourage more tree-planting, the nearby community of Bayside has an Adopt-A-Tree program.

Want to find more ways to support the environment in the North Shore? See our Earth Day Guide to Milwaukee’s North Shore.

Fox Point Arbor Day Celebration

The Village of Fox Point will host annual Arbor Day celebration on Friday, April 25 at 2 pm at Mapledale School. The program includes the Wisconsin DNR’s Regional Forestry Coordinator presenting the Tree City Flag to the community in recognition of its continued commitment to urban forestry.