Asheville and surrounding communities are focusing on urban forestry efforts, including recovery from recent hurricanes and long-term planning for the area's tree canopy.
The City of Asheville is currently developing its first community-driven Urban Forest Master Plan. This plan will guide the management of the city's tree canopy over the next 20 years. The goals of the plan include reducing heat, improving air and water quality, stabilizing slopes, supporting wildlife, and enhancing the overall quality of life for residents.
Urban Forest Master Plan
A public workshop is scheduled for March 21, 2026, at the NC Arboretum Education Center Auditorium. The workshop will include roundtable discussions and a presentation. Activities for children will be available. Light refreshments and free parking will be provided for those who register. Bare-root tree seedlings will be distributed in honor of NC Arbor Day, which is March 20. Due to limited space, pre-registration is required, and carpooling is encouraged.
The city's urban forester can be contacted for more information.
Tree Recovery Efforts
Following Hurricanes Helene and Milton in the fall of 2024, the Arbor Day Foundation pledged to distribute 10 million trees across six states over four years. Asheville received 1,200 free trees for distribution in December 2024 through Asheville Greenworks. This distribution was supported by Bank of America and MathWorks. The effort aims to restore the tree canopy in areas heavily impacted by the storms.
These recovery efforts build on the Arbor Day Foundation's history of post-disaster work, which dates back to Hurricane Katrina in 2005.
While specific awards like Tree City USA, Tree Campus Higher Education, and Tree Line USA designations were the initial focus, current information highlights ongoing planning and recovery efforts in the Asheville area, according to city officials.
The development of the Urban Forest Master Plan and the tree distribution initiative demonstrate a commitment to enhancing the resilience and sustainability of Asheville's urban forest, according to city officials. These efforts are expected to have a positive impact on the environment and the community for years to come.