Community members work together to plant a tree in a park by a path.

Urban & Community Forestry

A large pile of cut logs sits in front of a forest under a blue sky with white clouds

Arbor Day

Arbor Day was founded by J. Sterling Morton in Nebraska in 1872. A journalist and politician, Morton proposed the holiday to encourage the planting of trees to address the lack of forests on the state's treeless plains. The first celebration on April 10, 1872, was a massive success, resulting in the planting of over a million trees. The tradition quickly spread to all U.S. states and eventually around the world. 

Utah celebrates Arbor Day annually on the last Friday in April.

Celebrate Arbor Day
A winding river flows through a lush green valley with forested hillsides under a clear blue sky

Big & Heritage Trees

Meet the leafy giants and living legends of the Beehive State! Utah's magnificent trees are celebrated through two special programs. The Big Tree Program is essentially a trophy hunt, tracking the largest known specimen of every species by measuring its height, girth, and canopy spread to crown the reigning "champ." Meanwhile, the Heritage Tree Program grants legal protection to trees deemed irreplaceable, whether for their extreme age, exceptional beauty, or powerful connection to the state's pioneer history.
Utah’s Heritage Trees
Utah Big Tree Directory

Big & Heritage Trees

Meet the leafy giants and living legends of the Beehive State! Utah's magnificent trees are celebrated through two special programs. The Big Tree Program is essentially a trophy hunt, tracking the largest known specimen of every species by measuring its height, girth, and canopy spread to crown the reigning "champ." Meanwhile, the Heritage Tree Program grants legal protection to trees deemed irreplaceable, whether for their extreme age, exceptional beauty, or powerful connection to the state's pioneer history.
Utah’s Heritage Trees
Utah Big Tree Directory
A winding river flows through a lush green valley with forested hillsides under a clear blue sky
A line of green pine trees stands against a backdrop of distant mountains and a clear blue sky.

Tree City USA

The Tree City USA program, sponsored by the Arbor Day Foundation, is a nationwide initiative recognizing cities and towns committed to effective urban forest management. To earn this prestigious designation, a community must meet four core standards: maintaining a tree board, establishing a tree care ordinance, allocating at least $2 per capita for forestry, and celebrating Arbor Day. The program provides a framework that leads to stronger tree populations, which in turn offers substantial benefits like reduced energy costs and a boost to overall community pride and quality of life. Ultimately, it encourages the continuous, systematic planting and care of trees in America's urban areas.
Visit Tree City USA
A winding river flows through a lush green valley with forested hillsides under a clear blue sky

Urban Forestry Grants

The Utah Division of Forestry, Fire and State Lands offers three different through the Urban & Community Forestry program. Visit our grants page to find out more information on Community Forestry Partnership Grants, Outdoor Learning Grants and the Tree Species Diversity Program.
Urban Forestry Grants

Urban Forestry Grants

The Utah Division of Forestry, Fire and State Lands offers three different through the Urban & Community Forestry program. Visit our grants page to find out more information on Community Forestry Partnership Grants, Outdoor Learning Grants and the Tree Species Diversity Program.
Urban Forestry Grants
A winding river flows through a lush green valley with forested hillsides under a clear blue sky
A line of green pine trees stands against a backdrop of distant mountains and a clear blue sky.

International Society of Arborists - Utah Chapter

Since 1991. The International Society of Arboriculture Utah Chapter /Utah Community Forest Council has been serving the needs of Utah’s professional tree care industry. We provide educational workshops and events for arborists or anyone interested in tree care.
Visit ISA Utah Chapter