Trees need us. Trees in rural forests may live up to 200 years but the same trees need our help to survive in urban settings. The average life span of a downtown tree is only 10 years. However, when given proper care, trees live longer, look better, and are safer. Trees are one of the few public assets that increase in value as they age. Without care, trees may decline and become liabilities. Trees deserve to be managed with the same skill and diligence as any other public asset.

A successful community forestry program provides benefits and savings that far outweigh its costs. An effective program:

• Ensures that public dollars are spent wisely on trees of good quality and suited for the site where they are planted.
• Trains and supervises city crews and contractors to use the best tree planting and care practices, thus extending the lives of public trees.
• Ensures a diversity of trees species and ages and oversees regular maintenance.
• Monitors trees for insect and disease problems.
• Identifies and removes hazardous trees and works to mitigate wildfire danger.
• Provides tree selection, planting, and care information to residents.
• Trains and assists volunteers to plant and care for trees.
• Represents the best interests of trees at platting, planning, and zoning meetings.
• Works with engineers to protect trees during road-building and other construction.

If there is no organized effort to care for public trees in your community, you can start the process. Call the Alaska Community Forestry Office for help.