Tree Care

The urban forestry takes a community

 

Our urban forests provide a wealth of resources, from improving human health and environmental conditions to increasing habitat for birds and other animals, and they add beauty to our neighborhoods. Our city trees are green infrastructure; they reduce pollution, save energy, provide shade, and reduce storm water runoff. Proper planting and maintenance of trees is essential to receiving the maximum benefit of a healthy urban canopy. Mature, healthy trees provide the most benefits, so it’s important to protect our urban forests! 

 

Tree Equity refers to the distribution of urban tree canopy among our neighborhoods. The Tree Equity Score shows the disparity in shade cover between higher and lower-income neighborhoods across the state. We can all take responsibility for maintaining healthy urban forests! Ensuring everyone has access to the benefits of urban forest, regardless of their income status, is critical to our community's health and well-being. 

 

Below are some resources our Urban and Community Forestry Team recommends for ensuring a healthy urban forest.

 

Tree Planting

Before you plant a tree, consider Right Tree Right Place (Spanish Version)

See more details here: ACTC AZ Tree Planting Guide or Trees Are Good New Tree Planting

 

Hire an Arborist

Certified Arborists and Tree Care Professionals are up-to-date on the latest tree care principles and holistically understand how to best care for your trees. If you have a tree that needs more than light maintenance, consider consulting with or hiring a Certified Arborist. You can find individuals and companies with this credential on the International Society of Arboriculture’s Trees are Good website here.

  • Trees are living infrastructure
  • Better care = healthier, longer lives, more benefits 
  • Workforce Development Programs for the Arboriculture Industry can help people jump-start their careers in tree care. Contact [email protected] for more information
  • Visit the Arizona Community Tree Council Website for information about the Arizona-specific professional association for arborists
  • Tree professionals, specific to tree care, not just landscapers

Pruning

Water Management

Tree Protection

  • Compacted soil means the tree roots cannot get enough oxygen and water.
    • When planting, no need to stomp down the dirt/compact it
    • Do not drive/park under trees
  • Construction near a tree may cause root damage, consider where roots are when digging.

Arizona Plant Climate Zones

Climate zones in Arizona vary from the low subtropical desert areas to the coldest mountain and intermountain areas of the 48 contiguous United States. These differences in climate dictate what trees are most suitable in each zone. The University of Arizona Cooperative Extension provides a great breakdown of the different Arizona Plant Climate Zones

Plant Native Trees

It is always recommended to consider planting native trees over non-native. Native trees are better able to cope with the local environmental conditions of the area and typically require less attention than non-natives. They also serve as wildlife habitat for local animals, and are more resistant to harmful pests. 

Trees Native to Arizona (below 4,500 feet)

 

Trees Native to Arizona (between 4,500 feet and 6,000 feet)

 

Arizona Specific Tree Care

There is a variety of resources available regarding specific tree care options in Arizona.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

A group of hands planting a tree. Includes the quote "I plant the right tree in the right place"

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

A tree arborist up on a tree cutting leaves.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

A hand holding pruning shears cutting a tree branch

 

 

 

 

 

A hand holding an irrigation hose