Mission: Trees Atlanta is a nationally recognized citizens group that protects and improves Atlanta's urban forest by planting, conserving, and educating.

History:

Founded in 1985 by Central Atlanta Progress, the Junior League of Atlanta, Inc. and the Atlanta Parks Commissioner, Trees Atlanta has been a prime force in addressing Atlanta's tree loss, creating increased green space, and conserving the city's trees. 

Trees Atlanta has:

• Planted and distributed more than 75,000 shade trees (view map)
• Cared for more than 100,000 trees
• Recruited thousands of volunteers (we communicate with 3,500+ per week)
• Educated an average of 2,000 children and adults annually about the importance of urban trees and how to plant and properly care for them

Present:

Nearly 25 years after its inception, Trees Atlanta has inspired thousands of Atlanta citizens to advocate for better tree ordinances to protect the city's urban landscape, an integral action that has resulted in Trees Atlanta becoming one of the most widely known and supported non-profits throughout metro-Atlanta, and a highly regarded community steward of our urban environment. With several programs in operation at the Platinum LEED-certified Trees Atlanta Kendeda Center, this citizens' group shows no sign of slowing down.

 

 

BRIEF OVERVIEW OF TREES ATLANTA PROGRAMS

 

NeighborWoods
Trees Atlanta, through its nationally recognized NeighborWoods program, sparks positive action in diverse communities throughout the metro area. Established in 2001, NeighborWoods combines tree planting, maintenance, education, and community-building. Trees Atlanta staff members work with neighbors to identify areas for planting recommended trees along streets, parks, and yards.

A weekly e-mail announcement sent to nearly 4,000 Trees Atlanta volunteers describes two or three projects taking place in the coming weekend. During the October to March planting season, groups mobilize for a short lesson on tree planting and then plant the trees, alongside families and individuals from the neighborhoods. In spring and summer months, volunteers and neighbors help water and mulch the Trees Atlanta trees. Neighborhood associations must develop a plan for watering and caring for the trees once they are planted, especially in the crucial first two years.

In all neighborhoods, the planting becomes a catalyst for cooperation and civic responsibility. The results of all this effort are added beauty, sound buffering, shade for neighborhoods, and untold growth in civic pride and community involvement. Click here for more information about NeighborWoods.

 

Neighborhood Arboreta

Trees Atlanta has worked with seven Atlanta neighborhoods (Oakhurst, Inman Park, Sylvan Hills, Virginia-Highlands, Reynoldstown, Cabbagetown, and Midtown) to establish model arboreta that feature some of the rarer native trees not commonly found along Atlanta's streets. By planting and identifying a variety of trees along streets where residents and visitors walk to school, dine, exercise, and socialize, neighbors are engaged and inspired to get involved with preserving the trees in their greater community.

Neighborhood arboreta also enhance local businesses and neighborhoods by developing an environment that attracts non-residents to shop and purchase homes there. Click here for more information about the Neighborhood Arboreta program.

 

Atlanta BeltLine Arboretum
The Atlanta BeltLine is a plan to repurpose a loop of unused railroads and surrounding parks in a way that connects neighborhoods, creates pedestrian-friendly transit, and increases inviting greenspace in the city of Atlanta. Trees Atlanta has begun work on a linear arboretum spanning the entire 22-mile BeltLine that will provide a multilateral opportunity to enhance tree appreciation.

The Atlanta BeltLine Arboretum will be the world's longest arboretum and will educate residents and visitors about the tremendous health and economic benefits of urban trees, as well as the energy-saving impact of trees. The nationally-renowned Portico Group developed the BeltLine Arboretum's conceptual and master plan, which includes themes for each section of the BeltLine, to further identify the different natural neighborhoods and serve as a guide for future development. The project will integrate Atlanta's history and include environmental art sculptures, related collections of tree species, and educational signage.

The Atlanta BeltLine project will serve as a model for cities around the world to create inspiring spaces. Click here for further information about the Atlanta Beltline Arboretum.

Education
Trees Atlanta educates about planting and maintaining trees at each weekend project. We also appear at festivals, schools, and community meetings to discuss the benefits of trees and how our programs support a healthy urban forest.

The new Trees Atlanta Kendeda Center is a Platinum LEED-certified building that allows Trees Atlanta to educate in our facility as much as we do out in the community.  With indoor and outdoor learning areas, this facility enables Trees Atlanta to host programs for all demographics, including conferences, workshops, and specialized training for volunteers.

There is as much to learn from the facility itself as there is from our knowledgeable staff. Trees Atlanta's on-site demonstration area presents the newest, most promising solutions to growing healthy trees, using structured soils, pervious pavement, pavers, amended soils, Deep Root silva cell products, innovative water conservation, and rainwater collection. The design includes species diversity and creative ways to increase environmental benefits by using strategic tree placement. These examples benefit urban foresters, landscape architects, urban planners, and developers.

Printed materials are available to explain demonstrated techniques, their comparable costs, and the measurable benefits. In short, the new facility contributes to Trees Atlanta as a significant community resource for addressing environmental issues. Click here for further information about the education program and here to for futher information about the Trees Atlanta Kendeda Center.

 

Forest Restoration & Invasive Plant Removal
In addition to planting trees and educating the community, Trees Atlanta works to restore Atlanta's remaining forest spaces through its Forest Restoration program. Invasive species such as English Ivy, Privet, Mimosa, and Kudzu crowd out native plants in forested areas and green spaces. Volunteers assist the Forest Restoration Coordinator at Trees Atlanta to remove these invasive species and reinstate the native landscape. Click here for further information about the Forest Restoration & Invasive Plant Removal program.

 

Contractor Tree Planting
With experienced landscape contractors, Trees Atlanta plants 16' - 18' shade trees along Atlanta's streets and downtown business areas, some requiring concrete removal. The Trees Atlanta Urban Forestry Crew maintains the 3,500 street trees located in the downtown area by watering, mulching, pruning, staking, and controlling blight and disease. Trees Atlanta planted more than 950 large shade trees during the 2008-2009 planting season. Click here for further information about the Contractor Tree Planting program.