Establishing a Tree Board
by: Jim Nighswonger, Kansas Coordinator of Urban Forestry, retired

Initially, the tree board and the district forester may be involved in establishing a tree ordinance and in conducting a tree inventory to determine the needs of the community tree resource. The tree board will be responsible for developing an annual work plan and seeing that it is carried out. This plan may include anything that can improve the resource such as tree planting projects, letting pruning contracts, removal of hazardous trees, developing maintenance programs, working with developers to preserve trees, public educational programs and training, etc.

Many tree board programs will require a city budget or volunteer fundraising effort. The tree board should be prepared to develop budgets to carry out their programs and submit the same to the city council for funding. They will also need to meet with the city council on a regular basis to secure approval of plans and specific projects that require funding and to report on accomplishments.

In larger towns and cities that have professional departments of parks and recreation or forestry, a volunteer tree board may not be needed. However, in many such communities a tree board or beautification committee is still of value. They may serve as a citizens support or advisory group to the department, serve an educational role or undertake special tree planting projects. They may take on an activist role in promoting tree planting and care in their local communities. The most successful tree boards in larger communities network with other organizations and involve the city department that has the responsibility for trees in their plans.

Tree boards are formed by ordinance. They officially represent the city and members are appointed by the major, city council or city commission. Getting the right people to serve on the tree board is critical to success. Several "characteristics" in tree board members are desirable:

Natural or recognized leadership. "Movers and shakers" in the community are often desirable. It is not important that a member have a knowledge of trees; that can be learned.

Candidates should have an interest in community betterment and be motivated to take action.

Candidates should have an interest in trees and an awareness of their importance in improving the environment.

Persons whose businesses could be perceived as benefiting from membership on the tree board should not be asked to serve. Such individuals may include"  nurserymen, commercial arborists, commercial groundskeepers and others in plant sales or plant care businesses.  Such individuals may serve as advisors to the board but should not hold office or be voting members.

County extension agents or district foresters may serve on tree boards as a member or in an advisory capacity. They should not however, hold office on the board.

It is desirable to include a representative from the city parks and recreation or forestry department on the board. Other groups that could be affected routinely by board action should be represented.

Include a wide representation of local groups, organizations and clubs on the board. Getting other groups to buy-in to the tree program will help ensure success.

Tree boards should meet on a regular basis but only when there is reason to meet. Holding a meeting just because it has been scheduled but without sound reasons will quickly doom a tree board.  Members are busy people and their time is valuable. Keep meetings on track and as short as possible. Get the job done then adjourn. Many successful meetings are planned around a luncheon or dinner.

An annual work plan should be an early requirement of a new tree board. This plan should list: What is desired to be accomplished, Who will be responsible, How will it be accomplished, and When will it be accomplished.

Determining meaningful and achievable short term goals is important to the early success of the group. Be sure to select goals that can be accomplished in a short time; preferably no more than 2 to 3 months. The board should also begin to consider long range goals of several years duration. This will give the board purpose and foster long term commitment. Long range goals may require a tree inventory. Conducting such an inventory may be one of the short term goals of the board.

As your new tree board develops keep your district forester informed and be sure to solicit the foresters technical assistance. District foresters are trained in the operation of successful tree programs and can provide assistance in any phase of development.

back to our home page