Urban forestry concerns establishing, planting, and managing trees in or near urban areas. For more than 55 years, the Department of Forestry at MSU has focused on using live forests to improve urban environments.
Michigan State University's urban forestry program addresses a variety of urban environmental problems. Research has aimed at identifying ways to improve aesthetics, ameliorate microclimate, reduce noise and air pollution, and control sail erosion in urban areas, as well as determining what species, numbers of trees, and design patterns of forests can be employed to achieve these goals.
At MSU, research has dealt broadly in plant health care issues from nutrient deficiencies and soil improvement to planting practices, management practices and budgeting in cities across America, attitudes of urban residents about their trees, alternative treatments for adjudicated youths in tree care, and the status of street trees in America.
The urban forestry program has a dual curriculum, so graduate students can choose either the biological or managerialadministrative specialty. In addition, students may enroll in interdisciplinary urban forestry programs leading to both master's and doctoral degrees in forestry and urban studies.