Forestry

The Forestry Division is primarily responsible for providing a safe urban forest while striving to preserve it’s natural beauty. Typical activities include the removal of dead and hazardous boulevard trees and overgrown roots which raise sidewalks, planting of replacement trees, trimming, assessment of health, and providing public information. The Forestry Division is devoted to managing Owatonna’s urban forest resources, boulevards, and parks to improve the quality of life, the environment, and the economic well-being of citizen’s and guests.

Value of Trees

• Research from the U.S. Forest Service demonstrates that among their many benefits, trees increase home prices, improve air quality, reduce household energy use and the effects of climate change. - USDA Forest Service 2010
• Remove pollution from the atmosphere, improving air quality and human health
• Trees provide an abundance of oxygen (one large tree can provide oxygen for 4 people for one day)
• Trees help clean and preserve water for drinking and recreational use
• Trees provide cooling, wind blockage, and save energy (carefully placed trees can reduce household energy consumption for heating and cooling up to 25%) - Department of Energy
• Helps to reduce crime - University of Vermont Study
• Provide critical habitat for wildlife