N.C. Forest Service - Tree Boards

Citizens Working Together for a Healthier Community Forest

A town tree board or committee is a citizen-led group that works with town public officials to improve health of the urban and community forest through tree plantings, advocacy, education, management and maintenance activities.

Why Have a tree board?

• To advocate – for public tree and forest management and to support urban and community forestry.
• To get work done – help with a tree inventory, an education campaign, a planting program or tree ordinance.
• To bring in additional resources – help apply for grants, solicit private donations, organize fundraisers and advocate for larger budgets.
• To reduce conflicts – help reduce potential conflicts by providing a forum for reviewing complaints, addressing safety issues and making recommendations to the town.
• To help raise public awareness – educate residents about the importance of trees and urban forestry and raise public awareness of the needs of trees and forests.
• To improve your urban and community forest – all these activities result in an improved urban and community forest for your city or town.

How are tree boards formed?

Some tree boards may be part of a landscape, beautification or planning committee, but most arise as part of the Tree City USA program. In larger communities, the tree board may be a part of a department responsible for tree care and arboriculture. Having a separate committee is beneficial as it ensures that trees are addressed specifically and not simply an add-on to other committee concerns.

Most boards are advisory to the town, but some have additional authority as the town determines appropriate. A tree board structure, authority, duties and membership are established within an ordinance.

Examples of types of tree boards

• In place of a department, in small communities, a board can coordinate contracts for tree maintenance and planting; visit sites and resident complaints; and, manage a tree inventory.
• As a volunteer action group, a board can plan and coordinate volunteer tree plantings, organize training workshops, educational programs and fundraising.
• As an advisory group to town staff, a board can research and recommend ordinance provisions for new or revised ordinances, develop tree species lists for public planting, develop a tree management plan and associated policy.
• As an official committee, a board can act on behalf of the community to apply for state and national grants, start and manage a tree nursery and help create parks in town.
• Or any combination of the above that serves the needs of their community.

Tips for successful tree and forest boards

• Try to build a board that is representative of the diversity of your community.
• Look for members with some area of expertise, i.e., arborist, communications specialist, grant writer, etc.). Make sure, in particular, to have some members with knowledge of trees, forestry and arboriculture.
• Find members who are interested in working positively with all constituents, town commissions and other public officials.
• Start with some easily achievable and tangible projects. Some tree boards have found that difficult projects, like writing a new tree ordinance or conducting a full inventory, often result in frustration and produce little to show for the effort.
• Rotate your leadership and membership often. This helps groups guard against “burnout” and continually brings in new ideas.
• Make sure that all members are committed to finding solutions, not just identifying problems.

Example tree and forest committee duties

• Direct a survey or inventory of existing town trees and forest lands in order to improve understanding of the town’s forest resources.
• Develop and recommend a tree management plan.
• Identify areas of town in need of additional beautification and plantings.
• Develop and maintain a list of recommended species for planting on public spaces.
• Seek and apply for grants to assist the town in its efforts to achieve its vision.
• Promote public knowledge and awareness of the benefits of trees and forests.
• Act, in an advisory capacity, on tree related issues with respect to development, redevelopment and management of public properties.