Urban and Community Forestry

The majority of Virginians live in urban areas, whether it be towns or cities. There is increasing awareness that the quality of the natural environment in urban areas affects the social and economic viability of communities. A key element of the urban natural environment are trees in parks and yards and along streets and greenways. Collectively these trees make up the urban forest, which provides numerous benefits ranging from energy saving shade to attractive business districts. 

Urban forestry is the practice of planning and managing landscape trees and greenspaces. Many localities hire professional urban foresters to manage the public urban forest and help educate citizens about trees. But to have a healthy, sustainable urban forest, citizens have to pitch in to care for trees on private property too. 

Our urban and community forestry program assists both localities and citizens in making science-based decisions about tree care and urban forest stewardship. Because urban and community forestry is multi-disciplinary, our program relies on partnerships and expertise throughout Extension and across the Commonwealth.