Bloomington, Ind. ~ Bloomington, Ind.- The City of Bloomington is making significant strides in expanding and strengthening its urban tree canopy. Through strategic investments in planting, maintenance, and storm resilience, the city is committed to creating a greener and more sustainable environment for its residents. This effort is being supported by bond funding and grants that are dedicated to the planting of native trees, care of existing trees, and proactive measures to reduce storm-related damage.

The urban forestry program, which is housed within the Parks and Recreation Department, oversees the management of over 24,000 publicly owned trees along streets, rights-of-way, and in city parks. This program plays a crucial role in maintaining the health and beauty of Bloomington's green spaces.

In November 2023, the City received a $100,000 grant from the U.S. Department of Agriculture Forest Service's Urban and Community Forestry Program. Administered through American Forests' Catalyst Fund, this grant will be distributed in annual installments of $25,000 over four years. The grant has effectively doubled the city's budget for proactive "storm resilience" pruning. This work focuses on identifying and removing weak or hazardous limbs before they can cause damage during severe weather.

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The first phase of the Storm Resilience Pruning Project was completed in March 2026 by Bluestone Tree. It involved pruning approximately 50 trees that were deemed high-risk due to factors such as structural defects or their proximity to overhead utility lines. Following its success, on March 23rd 2026, the Board of Park Commissioners approved a $25,000 contract with Bluestone Tree for Phase II. This phase will address an additional 50 trees.

The project has prioritized "priority routes," which are city streets selected based on various criteria such as high pedestrian and vehicle traffic, concentrations of overhead utility lines, and historically underrepresented areas with low canopy cover. By proactively identifying and addressing high-risk trees, the city aims to reduce cleanup costs and improve public safety following storms. Additionally, targeting underserved areas helps address inequities in tree canopy coverage and access to environmental benefits.

In its fourth year, the City's 15-year plan to remove invasive Callery pear trees is making steady progress. A 2022 inventory identified 1,251 Callery pears in parks and rights-of-way, but today only approximately 950 remain. The city plans to remove 80-120 trees each year and replace them with native species.

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Thanks to a series of Bicentennial Bond projects approved in 2018, $800,000 has been allocated for tree planting along streets and in public rights-of-way. This has resulted in approximately 2,500 trees being planted to date. The next phase of planting, scheduled for this fall, will add an additional 200 trees across Bloomington. Priority locations for planting will be identified based on criteria such as high bus stop usage, significant pedestrian traffic, heat index data, and suitable planting conditions.

In addition to these efforts, an extra 157 trees were planted in 2024 to replace those removed for Duke Energy's Bloomington Reliability Project. Duke Energy contributed over $55,000 towards these replacement plantings.

The City of Bloomington's investment in a healthy urban tree canopy not only enhances the quality of life for its residents but also has numerous environmental benefits. By keeping neighborhoods cooler, improving air and water quality, and creating more welcoming public spaces, the city is creating a more sustainable future for all. Proactive tree care also plays a crucial role in reducing the risk of damage from severe storms by addressing weak trees and limbs before they can cause harm. This commitment to a greener and safer community is a testament to Bloomington's dedication towards creating a better tomorrow for its residents.

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