Tree Commission Academy offers the knowledge your tree commission or urban forest managers needs to be successful. We believe that well-trained tree commission members will be happier and enjoy their position more when they know what to do and why they are doing it. Communities should experience lower turnover, higher meeting attendance, greater commitment, and more productivity from tree commissioners who have successfully completed Tree Commission Academy.

St. Mary's Freshman Class

Healthy community forests offer you and your citizens many benefits. Trees protect homes and buildings from the elements, reducing family heating and cooling costs and dependence on greenhouse gases. Tree-lined streets increase home resale values. Trees reduce the load on municipal storm water facilities, saving taxpayers operational and maintenance costs.

On the commercial end, shoppers are more willing to pay for parking, goods, and services in business districts with trees than in areas without trees. Business and industry are attracted to communities with healthy urban forests as well.

Community forests also make our communities safer and improve the well-being of our residents, families, and children. Tree-lined streets draw neighbors outside by providing a cool, comfortable environment to get to know each other. Studies have shown that this reduces incidences of neighborhood crime and domestic violence, which conserves costly law enforcement resources. Residents recover more quickly from illness, girls’ self esteem increase, and children with hyperactivity or attention issues are better able to focus when surrounded by trees.

Tree Commission Academy will begin to equip tree commissioners to help make these benefits a reality for your community.