Ann Arbor Puts $476K Toward Planting 1,000 Trees To Help Environment and Air Quality

City officials approved a $476,000 contract Monday to add 1,000 trees to Ann Arbor's streets. The work starts this fall and continues through spring 2026.

Margolis Nursery won the bid, which includes $47,643 for extra needs and watering. Each tree comes with a one-year warranty. Workers will focus on spots north of downtown, based on the 2025-26 planting strategy.

"Trees reduce stormwater runoff and improve the quality of runoff that reaches local lakes and streams," said Robert West, public works assistant manager, in a memo to the council per MLive.

The plan supports goals from the city's forest management blueprint. Officials say greenery helps boost both air and water quality while strengthening local ecosystems.

As crews ready their shovels, Ann Arbor's green team launches a fresh monitoring system. They monitor air conditions at 10 spots citywide, sending alerts when pollution rises too high.

This green push extends past roots and branches. Residents can now check real-time air readings at a2gov.org/airquality, putting vital data at their fingertips.

On October 6, the council voted unanimously to start digging. Pink zones on city maps show where the first saplings will take root.

The public can access detailed maps showing tree varieties chosen for each street. Scientists picked specific types to maximize benefits in different areas, considering soil, space, and existing plant life.