Meet Boise Community Forestry
Caring for Boise's Trees
Each year during the month of April, Arbor Day is celebrated as a tree planting holiday. It originated from early enthusiasm for trees and their benefits for a greener future. During Arbor Day week and throughout the year, the City of Boise celebrates the rich tree canopy that provides a variety of clean air and water benefits for our parks and neighborhoods, along with recognizing the unique team that cares for Boise’s trees.
More than 35,000 public trees grace our city thanks to the efforts of Boise’s residents and Community Forestry, a branch of the Boise Parks and Recreation Department. Through education, volunteer programs and tree care, Community Forestry helps maintain our namesake in the City of Trees. The forestry division offers expansive tree pruning and planting guidance, hosts a variety of educational programs, and acts as stewards in the city’s efforts to promote environmental sustainability and climate resiliency. Division members also respond when weather events cause downed limbs or trees to fall in neighborhoods across the city. Their work is vital to restoring power for residents following a wind or rainstorm and partnerships with Treasure Valley organizations mean a healthier, safer tree canopy environment for all.
The Team
Made up of 10 dedicated employees, the Community Forestry team ranges from arborists to tree inspectors to nursery managers. The division is led by City Forester Mike Andrews. His team is made up of International Society of Arboricultural Certified Arborists – a certification recognized around the world. The City of Boise has been acknowledged as a Tree City USA member by the Arbor Day Foundation for 43 years, including receiving the foundation’s Growth Award for 22 years.
The division manages trees in all 90+ city parks and in right-of-way areas throughout the city. In addition to public tree care, Community Forestry assists the community with planting, inspections, appraisals and 24/7 hazard response services for tree related emergencies. To help recycle wood from the pruning and removal of trees in Boise's city forest, the team also sells firewood and mulch products throughout the year.
City of Trees Challenge
Community Forestry and the City of Boise and partner the Treasure Valley Canopy Network are in the third year of promoting a major citywide tree planting initiative, called the City of Trees Challenge. The initiative aims to plant 100,000 trees in Boise by 2030. Community members can get involved by registering newly planted trees, contacting a Boise Tree Captain, or visiting a participating nursery like Edwards Greenhouse.