Tree Board

Learn more about Aurora's arboricultural specifications by accessing the City's 2023 revised manual.

Access lists pertaining to approved and disapproved tree species for the City of Aurora.

This "Find an Arborist" tool can help you locate a certified arborist in your area.

The City of Aurora has planted a new tree in the city parkway near you house. Your help is needed to assure the tree grows to maturity. A few minutes each month can mean the difference between life and death for a tree. Follow the steps below to keep your tree healthy. 

Water Your Tree Every Week

Lack of water is the primary cause of death in newly planted trees. Generously water your tree once a week in the early morning or evening. A weekly soaking is better than more frequent watering. This will help the tree develop stronger and deeper roots. Water the soil around the edge of the tree crown also known as the dripline.

• Lack of water or overwatering are the primary cause of death in newly planted trees 
• Soak your tree once a week in the early morning or evening
• This helps your tree develop stronger and deeper roots
• Periodically check the root ball and keep it moist during the hotter months
• Continue with this practice the first few years after transplanting

Only Lay Mulch Around TheT runk

Use only wood mulch at 2-4 inches deep and keep the mulch 4 inches away from the trunk. Do not use lava rock or decorative stone, as these will absorb daytime heat and wick moisture out of the soil. Wood mulch will decompose, providing nutrients your tree needs as well as keeping the soil from drying out as quickly.

Mulching

• Use only wood mulch, avoid lava rock or stone as these will absorb daytime heat and wick moisture out of the soil
• Wood mulch will decompose, provide nutrients, and keep the soil from drying out
• Mulch root ball area 2-4 inches deep
• Keep the mulch 4 inches away from the trunk to prevent decay, insect, or pest damage  

Limit Damage from Animals & Lawn Equipment

Avoid injuring the tree with lawn mowers and weed trimmers. Trunk injury can cause irreversible damage and potentially kill the tree. If rabbits or other small mammals are damaging the base of a tree by chewing on it, loosely wrap ¼ inch hardware cloth that is 18 inches tall around the base of the tree. Remove the wire before it begins to grow into the trunk. After a few years the bark thickens and is not as inviting to small animals as it is when the bark is young.

Trunk Protection

• Trunk injury from lawn mowing and weed trimming will cause harm and potentially kill your tree. 
• If rabbits or other small mammals are chewing on the base of your tree, loosely wrap the trunk with ¼ inch hardware cloth up to 18 inches tall 
• Bark thickens over time and becomes less inviting to small animals; however, trunk injury from mowers and trimmers remains

Only properly trained personnel should prune your parkway tree. If you feel your tree needs attention or has a low or dead branch, please call 630-256-INFO (4636).

Visit the Arbor Day Foundation website for more information.