City Removing Damaged Trees, Planting Hundreds of Replacements
Pocatello is moving forward with a multi-year program to upgrade its public tree canopy, funded by federal grants totaling $1.795 million. The initiative targets unhealthy vegetation, sidewalk hazards, and gaps in the urban forest across parks, cemeteries, and downtown corridors.
Officials announced that crews have already planted 209 trees during the fall of 2025, with plans to add approximately 200 more this spring. Between 50 and 60 of those new plantings will be concentrated in the Historic Downtown district. Nearly every tree removed under the program will be replaced, according to city representatives.
The effort received its initial boost in November 2023 when Pocatello secured a $1 million Urban Community Forestry Grant. An additional $795,000 in subsequent funding brought the total investment to just under $1.8 million. All grant-related work is scheduled for completion by May 2026.
Maintenance Targets Storm Damage Risk
Alongside new plantings, maintenance crews have pruned and trimmed several hundred trees during the 2025 phase of the program. A substantial portion of that work occurred at Mountain View Cemetery, where officials say improved tree care reduces the risk of damage during severe weather events similar to a windstorm that struck the region in 2024.
Professional arborists certified by industry standards are handling all pruning, removal, and planting operations to ensure long-term tree health and public safety. The city emphasized that the use of certified crews is intended to prevent improper techniques that could compromise structural integrity or create future hazards.
Parks and Public Spaces Receiving Upgrades
The program extends beyond downtown streets to include multiple parks and public facilities throughout Pocatello. Sites that have received or will receive tree work include Mountain View Cemetery, Alameda Park, Freckleton Park, Ross Park, Centennial Park, Caldwell Park, and Constitution Park. City officials indicated that additional locations remain on the schedule for future phases.
Residents in affected neighborhoods should expect to see crews removing trees that have outgrown their planting spaces or caused damage to sidewalks and infrastructure. In some cases, root systems have buckled concrete walkways or interfered with underground utilities, creating liability concerns for the municipality.
What Comes Next
Spring planting operations will begin as weather permits, with crews prioritizing the downtown area to enhance the appearance and environmental quality of the commercial core. City officials have not disclosed which specific tree species will be planted, though professional arborists typically select varieties suited to urban conditions, climate zones, and available planting space.
The May 2026 deadline marks the final completion target for the original grant cycle. Pocatello has not announced whether it will pursue additional federal or state forestry funding once the current program concludes, though the city framed the work as part of an ongoing commitment to urban tree health.
Residents with questions about tree removal or replacement schedules in their neighborhoods can contact the city’s public works or parks departments for project timelines and location-specific details.