FAQs

Urban forestry is a multidisciplinary activity that involves the design, planning, implementation, and management of wooded areas and green spaces with trees. An urban forestry project goes beyond simply planting trees—it aims to create a true ecosystem rich in ecological connections and biodiversity, in harmony with the city. The goal is to integrate newly planted trees into a cohesive, large-scale urban and peri-urban green infrastructure.

Many projects are being developed within the boundaries of the Metropolitan City of Milan and—while it is desirable that no land or natural capital be lost—Forestami is not the entity responsible for selecting or deciding on all areas undergoing urban transformation. Through ongoing dialogue with local authorities, Forestami is committed to guiding and promoting policies that are increasingly focused on environmental issues and the enhancement of the territory, helping to integrate trees into the city and its evolving landscape.

Because Forestami originated from a research project by the Politecnico di Milano that focused on Milan and the 133 municipalities within the Metropolitan City. This study included extensive mapping and data collection on environmental issues in the area. However, Forestami is recognized as a national and international best practice in urban forestry. Its approach, knowledge base, and governance model are designed to be shared, adapted, and replicated in other contexts, with the goal of spreading awareness and expertise on urban forestation.

The trees directly planted by Forestami are maintained for the first 5 years by social cooperatives appointed by the Forestami Technical Committee, which includes Parco Nord Milano, Parco Agricolo Sud Milano, ERSAF, the Green Areas Department of the Municipality of Milan, and the research group from the Politecnico di Milano. The Technical Committee also oversees the proper implementation and care of the plantations. Maintenance includes irrigation, grass cutting, and the replacement of dead saplings beyond the acceptable physiological loss expected during natural forest growth.

After the initial 5-year maintenance period, the trees—now “weaned” and well established, and therefore less in need of care—will be handed over to the municipalities or entities that signed the Forestami protocol. A detailed maintenance plan will be provided to support the continued growth and maturity of the plantation.

For forest plantations, two maintenance cycles per year are scheduled (May and October). For each tree, the following tasks are included::

• manual or brush cutter grass trimming within a 1-meter radius around the tree;
• repositioning of trees and bamboo stakes to ensure vertical alignment;
• adjustment or replacement of mulch bio-discs and trunk protectors, where necessary.

Additional maintenance includes:

• removal of invasive species, including shrubs and trees;
• collection of litter, stones, and any other debris from the planting area.

Irrigation, especially during the summer months, involves supplying 30 liters of water per tree, carefully poured around the base to avoid root exposure from excessive pressure. Irrigation frequency depends on seasonal conditions and follows this general schedule (April to October):

• 8–10 irrigation sessions during the first two years;
• 4–6 sessions in the third and fourth years;
• 2–4 sessions in the fifth year.

The trees and shrubs used by Forestami come from ERSAF nurseries as well as regional and local nurseries, and all are certified.

No, and that’s simply because Forestami selects tree and shrub species based on the specific context in which they will be planted. The most commonly planted tree species in the Milan metropolitan area include linden, oak, hornbeam, maple, and cherry. Common shrub species include hazel, dogwood, privet, and spindle tree.
Species selection is determined by several factors: the suitability of the tree to the site (urban, peri-urban, or rural), the type of planting (urban rows, peri-urban forest, or rural plantation), local climate and microclimate, desired ecosystem benefits, potential risks or inconveniences, and the tree’s resilience to climate change. Each planting is carefully assessed by the Forestami Technical Committee, which is why donors cannot choose a specific species.
Instead, Forestami focuses on engaging citizens in understanding the benefits of urban greenery, learning about different species, and contributing to the growth of a complex and diverse urban green infrastructure.

Forestami aims to encourage the planting of as many trees and shrubs as possible by 2030. To achieve this, we count all trees and shrubs planted within the territory of the Metropolitan City of Milan since 2019. We collect planting data from municipalities, public entities, and local associations, and combine it with the trees planted directly by Forestami and by other collaborative projects.
The count includes both trees and shrubs, as shrubs also play a key role in mitigating the effects of climate change in the urban ecosystem—reducing runoff, improving air quality, lowering the urban heat island effect, and enhancing biodiversity and ecosystem services.

 

For safety reasons. In Milan—and across all municipalities in the Metropolitan City—a regular monitoring of the tree population is carried out to continuously assess their health. Only when clear signs of decay or deterioration are identified—compromising a tree’s stability and increasing the risk of it falling—does the municipality consider tree removal. The guiding principle behind such interventions is the safety of citizens using sidewalks, roads, and parks. Potentially hazardous trees are usually replaced with specimens of appropriate size for their surroundings. Trees that do not pose a direct risk but require minor safety interventions are preserved.
Forestami does not cut down trees! The project’s mission is to increase natural capital—not only in number, but in ecological and environmental value—by caring for trees and plant species so they can grow healthy and contribute to the biodiversity of the metropolitan area.

Absolutely! You can track the progress of the planting activities directly carried out by Forestami through the dedicated Planting section on our website. Donations collected through Forestami support every phase of the project: from planning and design to tree planting and maintenance during the first five years. The financial resources that sustain Forestami’s urban forestry efforts are distributed across various planting sites throughout the Metropolitan City of Milan.

Thanks to Forestami’s collaborative nature, everyone can help identify opportunities to grow the region’s natural capital—whether on public or private land. The selection and development of planting sites is primarily carried out in collaboration with local authorities, leveraging available public land. Public employees from any municipality within the Metropolitan City of Milan can suggest suitable public areas. Each proposal is carefully reviewed on a case-by-case basis.