What you can do right now.
So much of the tree canopy in Knoxville (over 80%) is located on privately-held land. For this reason, real progress in increasing tree canopy within the city requires work and involvement of private citizens. Check back here throughout the project for more ideas on how you can help Knoxville develop and implement a master plan and grow the urban forest. Until then, you can do these simple but powerful things now:
Plant a Tree.
Whether it’s a seedling or a large tree, every one counts. If you have room to plant more than one tree, do it for those who can’t. Trees provide benefits to the whole community, not only to the property where they are growing.
Care for Your Trees.
Proper maintenance will extend the lives of mature trees and help new trees reach their full potential. The greatest benefits come from mature trees; so proper pruning, watering, mulching, and insect and disease control will speed up growth and keep trees healthy, attractive, and safe for decades, if not centuries, to come.
Volunteer.
Help raise funds, friends, and awareness for urban trees. “Many hands make for light work.” Trees Knoxville already has a number of opportunities to get involved with tree initiatives can use your help with projects and education efforts. Donating small amounts of your time, money, and enthusiasm will go a long way to improving tree canopy in Knoxville.
Learn more about ways you can volunteer today with Trees Knoxville.
Support the Urban Forestry Program.
The citizens of Knoxville are fortunate to have a staff of professional arborists managing the public trees. The urban forestry program’s goal is to have a healthy, diverse urban forest that is valued by everyone as an essential community asset. You can help them by reporting tree maintenance needs and joining tree planting projects.