Introduction
Milan is taking a major step toward smarter urban forestry by rolling out a digital monitoring system for 30,000 city trees. Backed by European Union funds and powered by artificial intelligence, this initiative aims to safeguard Milan’s green assets, improve maintenance efficiency and combat the effects of climate change. With sensors, data analytics and user-friendly dashboards, city officials and residents will gain real-time insights into the health and needs of each tree. This project not only strengthens Milan’s commitment to sustainability but also serves as a blueprint for other cities looking to blend nature with cutting-edge technology.
Digital Monitoring Meets Urban Forestry
1. The Vision and Funding
Milan’s Department of Green Spaces secured European “NextGenerationEU” funds to kick-start this ambitious project. The €5 million grant targets innovation in public services, with a special focus on environmental resilience. By digitizing tree care, Milan hopes to make its urban forest more robust in the face of droughts, heatwaves and emerging pests.
2. Sensors and Data Collection
Over the next six months, teams will install small IoT (Internet of Things) sensors on 30,000 trees across public parks, boulevards and neighborhood green areas. Each sensor measures soil moisture, ambient temperature, humidity, and trunk stability. Data is transmitted via a low-power wide-area network (LPWAN) to a central cloud platform, minimizing energy use and avoiding cellular bandwidth costs.
3. Artificial Intelligence at Work
Once collected, data feeds into AI algorithms that learn normal growth patterns for different tree species. The system can then detect anomalies—such as sudden moisture loss or abnormal trunk movement—signaling drought stress, disease or structural damage. Early warnings are sent to park maintenance teams, who can respond before small issues become costly problems.
4. Creating Digital Twins
Beyond raw readings, the city will build “digital twins” of selected trees: virtual replicas that mirror each tree’s shape, growth rate and health metrics. These models enable simulation of various scenarios—like a heatwave or heavy rainfall—and help planners test interventions in a risk-free environment. Over time, Milan will refine its urban forestry strategies based on real-world outcomes and AI-driven predictions.
5. Enhancing Citizen Engagement
An easy-to-use online dashboard will ultimately be made public. Residents can explore interactive maps showing tree conditions in their neighborhoods and even receive notifications about upcoming maintenance works or community planting events. Gamification elements—such as points for reporting fallen limbs or volunteering for care days—will encourage citizen participation.
6. Environmental and Economic Benefits
• Water Conservation: By irrigating only when sensors indicate true need, Milan expects to cut water use by up to 30%.
• Disease Prevention: Early detection of fungal infections or infestations may reduce tree loss by 20–25%.
• Cost Savings: Proactive maintenance can lower emergency intervention costs by an estimated 40%.
• Climate Resilience: Healthier trees better withstand extreme weather, absorb more CO₂ and cool city streets.
Voices from the Field
“We’re proud to lead Italy in smart urban forestry,” says Maria Rossi, Milan’s Councillor for the Environment. “Digital monitoring empowers our teams to act swiftly and spend public funds more effectively. It also brings citizens closer to the care of their local green spaces.”
Dr. Luca Bianchi, a data scientist from Politecnico di Milano collaborating on the project, adds, “Our AI models become more accurate as they process growing volumes of data. In a few years, we’ll be able to predict the needs of each tree days or even weeks in advance.”
Next Steps and Expansion
Phase 1 focuses on sensor installation and AI training. By the end of the year, 10,000 trees will be fully monitored and integrated into the public dashboard. Phase 2, slated for early next year, will add the remaining 20,000 trees and launch a mobile app for on-the-go updates.
Beyond 2026, Milan aims to extend digital monitoring to hedges, public flowers and even vertical green walls. Discussions are underway to integrate satellite imagery and drone surveys, complementing ground-level sensors with aerial perspectives.
The success of Milan’s program could inspire other European cities. An EU working group on smart cities is already watching closely, evaluating models for replication in Spain, Germany and beyond.
3 Takeaways
1. Innovation in Action: Milan uses EU “NextGenerationEU” funds to equip 30,000 trees with IoT sensors and AI, creating a responsive urban forest.
2. Real-Time Insights: Sensors track moisture, temperature and trunk stability, while AI detects stress or disease early—cutting water use, preventing tree loss and saving costs.
3. Community Connection: A public dashboard and upcoming mobile app invite Milan residents to monitor local trees, report issues and join care events.
3-Question FAQ
Q1. How do the sensors work without frequent battery changes?
A. The IoT sensors use low-power wide-area networks and solar trickle-charging. Each unit can run autonomously for up to three years before maintenance is needed.
Q2. Will my neighborhood tree be included?
A. Yes. By late 2025, all public trees in parks, boulevards and squares—totaling 30,000—will have sensors. Private or backyard trees are not part of this phase.
Q3. Can citizens access the data?
A. Absolutely. A web portal will launch in early 2026, featuring interactive maps, real-time alerts and community forums. Later, a mobile app will offer push notifications.
Call to Action
Want to support Milan’s green innovation? Sign up for updates on the public dashboard launch and join local tree-care events in your neighborhood. By staying informed and lending a hand, you can help our city’s urban forest thrive—today and for generations to come. For more information and to subscribe, visit www.comune.milano.it/urbanforest.
