Branch Out

Learn how to organize and maximize a tree board’s effectiveness

By Alana Tucker
Photos: Arbor Day Foundation

Cities are always striving for cleaner air, higher property values, greener parks, and healthier residents. To address these goals, many of the most progressive communities and public park managers turn to trees because of their endless benefits. A more expansive tree canopy lessens pollution, increases property values, enhances well-being, and combats a changing climate. These communities also have a good understanding of the role a tree board plays in creating a greener future and helping reach their goals.

Forming a board or department to care for trees is instrumental in creating greener communities and parks, which is why the Tree City USA program, founded in 1976, made it one of its core standards for recognition. Now, more than 3,600 communities have met this standard, and 74 percent have recorded having a tree board in place. The other 26 percent have a department chair or city manager overseeing the care of trees.

For those with a tree board in place already, continue reading to find more valuable ways to maximize its effectiveness. No tree board in place? Expect to learn how to form one, how it functions, and its overall impact.

About A Tree Board

The term “tree board” is one of several names that communities use to identify a group of individuals tasked with looking after the welfare of trees. Other titles include “tree commission,” “tree committee,” “beautification committee,” and “parks advisory board.” It is important to note that these formal titles differ from nonprofit organizations or volunteer groups that exist outside of city government, though they are still valuable partners for accomplishing city goals for public trees. The benefit of establishing a tree board is that city leaders can hear from ordinary citizens about tree issues in the community and ensure that trees are a priority, not an afterthought.

To establish an effective tree board, city leaders—usually the mayor or city council—should issue a charge, or mission. A clear understanding of the purpose and duties will get the board off to a good start and keep everyone, from city officials to citizens and utilities, on the same page. Find the mission of a tree board by reading the public tree-care ordinance, which should provide the structure, responsibilities, and authority of a board. If no tree board exists or a charge is missing, here is a sample ordinance to get started.

In most cases, a tree board works with one of the municipal department heads, often in public works or parks and recreation, to carry out its duties. In smaller communities, perhaps boroughs or villages, a tree board is solely responsible for the urban forestry work in the city and reports directly to the city council. Regardless of the structure, citizens and city workers need to work together to improve a community forest.

The Makeup And Function Of A Tree Board

Members of a tree board often have diverse experiences and walks of life, but one thing they have in common is they want to make a difference in their community. Board members are the voices for trees and key to their protection and longevity. At least one member is often a tree professional or certified in some aspect of the green industry. The rest of the board includes citizens who have an interest in trees and are willing to dedicate time and energy to meetings and events. It is also valuable for members to have varied and broad connections within the community to expand the board’s network of support and assistance.

Lachel Bradley-Williams is the chair of the Community Forestry Advisory Board in Lincoln, Neb. She joined the tree board two years ago with a genuine interest in the community’s urban forest, as well as connecting with like-minded individuals. Much of what she enjoys on the tree board is staying updated on what is happening around the city. Meetings allow her and the board to find out what tree work is ongoing or completed, and what parks and recreation staff members are doing. She can be representative of the community voice when it comes to making recommendations about trees to local government on behalf of tree nurseries, businesses, citizens, and community groups. She is involved with local tree events, including Arbor Day celebrations, and urges others to join a tree board. “There is no technical training or expertise required to be part of a local tree board,” says Bradley-Williams. A passion for trees is all a board member needs.

The various functions of a tree board depend on the scope of what is needed for that community. While there are many kinds of plans, one that tree boards are most often asked to write or implement is a tree-management plan. A tree board may also be involved with the city planning department and a long-range comprehensive plan, or a board may stick to annual work plans to guide outreach activities and projects. Components of a typical plan include community history and background, the mission and vision of a plan, the state of tree and forest resources, and recommended actions and budgets. From there, a tree board can work with city staff members to develop a prioritized list of goals for each year, using city crews, contracted services, or volunteers.

A Tree Board’s Impact

No one will advocate as fervently for tree care and protection as much as a tree board will. Special attention is needed if communities want grants, donations, and greater budget allocations for a more beautiful, healthy, and flourishing community forest. Time and energy must be devoted to making sure a tree-management plan is carried out. It is also important to note that a tree board covers a lot of ground, literally and figuratively, when it comes to trees. The ownership and welfare of trees does not just start and end with street trees. Parks, bicycle lanes, walkways, and public-use areas, such as courthouses, college campuses, railways, and more are often part of a tree board’s responsibility.

Through these endeavors, tree board members have the satisfaction of seeing their work come to life right before their eyes. They understand the work they perform will serve future generations while also offering personal growth opportunities along the way. If board members want to expand their level of knowledge, an easy place to start is to contact the state’s urban and community forestry coordinator, usually found in the state forester’s office, and often with regional professionals to assist communities. These individuals are usually willing to help create or improve tree boards.

Getting Started

If ever there was a time to organize and energize a tree board, that time is now. It is an essential component of a thriving community forestry program, and healthy community forests are needed more than ever to address the changing climate. Get started with the Arbor Day Foundation’s Tree Board Handbook to learn and appreciate the important responsibility of a tree board and the potential for being a positive force in a community. After becoming familiar with the handbook, check out Tree Board University. This online course is made available at no cost by the USDA Forest Service and expands on much of what is introduced in the handbook.

It is never too late to “branch out” and join a tree board or find resources to maximize its effectiveness. The work is meaningful, and the result is unrivaled.

Alana Tucker is the program manager for the Tree City programs at the Arbor Day Foundation, including Tree City USA and Tree Cities of the World. As an urban planner, she conducted streetscape and parks planning projects in Detroit prior to coming to the Foundation. She holds a Bachelor's in International Business from the University of Nebraska-Lincoln and a Master's of Urban Planning from the University of Michigan. Her favorite tree is Populus tremuloides, the quaking aspen. Alana can be reached at atucker@arborday.org.