Urban forestry is all about the trees where we live, work, and play. From New York City to Buffalo and Olean to Watertown, communities have trees along their streets and in their parks and public spaces. Together, with the trees in your backyard, these public trees make up the urban forest.
The New York State Urban and Community Forestry (UCF) Program is funded by the State of New York and the USDA Forest Service. The program focuses on the care of public trees and supporting communities as they build and maintain their own urban and community forestry programs. Public trees are green infrastructure—a vital part of cities, towns, and villages that uses nature to provide services to community members. Trees are an investment that need care to provide the maximum benefits over time.
Urban and Community Forestry
Urban forests help make New York State’s communities stronger, healthier, and greener. The 25 Million Trees Initiative will help expand and create urban forests that will mitigate climate change, combat pollution, and make communities more resilient.
Questions about upcoming events? Email [email protected].
On average, more than half the trees that make up the urban and community forest are on private land. The homeowner or landowner is typically the person responsible for the care and maintenance of these trees. Municipalities may leave responsibility for street trees to nearby homeowners. Check to see what the local laws are for your community to understand the expectations of privately and publicly owned trees. If you rent, check with your landlord if they expect you to take care of trees on the property.
Taking care of trees on your property is important. Just like you maintain your car, you should maintain your trees to give them a long life and receive their many benefits. Whether you have a tree or not, everyone can learn to take care of trees and support their community trees.
- Learn how to take care of trees at any age and how to find a qualified tree care professional near you.
- Plant a tree to reduce your summer energy costs and increase the beauty of your home and community, but be sure to plant the right tree for the right place.
- Get Involved in your community trees and encourage your community to care for its trees.
- Celebrate Arbor Day!
Often responsible for public tree care and maintenance, municipalities have the ability to manage a community’s tree canopy and plant trees in underserved areas with low canopy that need them the most. Supporting municipal programs is a primary goal of DEC’s UCF Program.
Engaging communities and promoting tree planting and care to residents are essential for the success of any urban and community forestry program. If municipal urban forestry is new for your community, learn the important parts of an urban forestry program and how to develop a tree ordinance, start a tree board, or start a management plan. Another good starting place is the Tree City USA Recognition program through the Arbor Day Foundation. Tree City USA outlines the basic needs for an Urban Forestry program and presents it as a guide or checklist. This can also connect you with regional and state foresters who can provide support for your program and increase support for trees amongst community leadership.
The UCF Program offers grants for municipalities to help create tree inventories and management plans, and support tree planting and maintenance. We also keep a list of other potential funding sources. Storm mitigation and preparedness is often a challenge for municipalities and can have major impacts on municipal tree canopy. Become storm-ready and learn how to manage trees by completing the Storm Mitigation Workbook and template.
Municipalities looking to train their staff are encouraged to participate in New York State ReLeaf and attend an upcoming training or workshops.
Trained tree care professionals are a critical part of urban forestry. Professionals looking to support communities can get involved with local tree boards, New York State ReLeaf, the New York State Urban Forestry Council, or New York International Society of Arboriculture (ISA). We encourage professionals to attend our workshops and events to connect with the urban forestry community across the state. Education credits are offered for many workshops including ISA, Society of American Foresters, Certified Nursery and Landscape Professionals, American Institute of Certified Planners, and DEC-certified pesticide applicators/technicians.
