Urban & Community Forestry

Trees play a crucial role in the green infrastructure of America’s cities and towns.

Trees brighten city streets and delight nature-starved urbanites. Forested neighborhoods have less crime, less pollution, reduced energy costs and higher quality of life than similar areas with less trees and greenspaces.

With the South continuing to experience rapid population growth and urban expansion, it is ever important to proactively plan, plant and maintain our community trees. The southern states offer a network of urban and community forestry (U&CF) coordinators across the region who monitor, measure and assess changes to urban forests while providing support, consultation and educational opportunities for local communities.


Local Contacts

Benefits of Community Trees

People benefit from community forests in many ways, whether relaxing in the shade, drinking clean water, or breathing clean air. Trees contribute to our health, economic vitality and social well-being. From urban neighborhoods to rural subdivisions, trees play a vital role in our communities.

Reduced Energy Costs

Better Air Quality

Improved Health and Wellness

Economic Contributions

Increased Property Values

Reduced Crime Activity

Flood protection

Community Trees and Storms

When events like thunderstorms, tornadoes, hurricanes and ice storms damage community trees, public safety can be put at risk. Prepared communities can better, more quickly, respond to hazards from downed and structurally weakened trees.

Readiness

Response

Recovery

Community Forestry Academy

Resources

U&CF Success Stories

Healthy Trees, Healthy Lives

How to Plant a Tree

Arbor Day Across the Nation

Vibrant Cities Lab

Arbor Day Foundation

Alliance for Community Trees

American Forests Foundation

Hiring an Arborist

International Society of Arboriculture

American Society of Consulting Arborists

Tree Care Industry Association

i-Tree