Austin's urban forest is a key component of the city's infrastructure, providing various benefits to its residents. The Forestry Team at the Parks and Recreation Department (PARD) is essential in maintaining this resource, overseeing more than 300,000 trees on developed parkland and continuing to plant new ones.
The PARD Forestry Team comprises 35 arborists and support staff responsible for planting, watering, and maintaining trees across Austin's over 300 parks. This team includes professional arborists, tree climbers, inspectors, and supervisors who prioritize safety in their work.
As Austin grows, maintaining a healthy urban forest becomes increasingly complex due to development pressures, climate change impacts, limited resources, and increased demand on public spaces. To address these challenges, the Forestry Team collaborates with other city departments and stakeholders to protect trees and integrate them into development plans and climate adaptation strategies.
The city's Urban Forest Plan outlines a vision for a diverse, sustainable urban forest by 2034. This plan aims to expand tree canopy in underserved neighborhoods, improve tree species diversity, and use data-driven approaches for tree planting and maintenance. These efforts are designed to ensure that Austin's urban forest remains a valuable community asset.
The PARD Forestry Team is dedicated to enhancing the quality of life for Austin residents through effective tree care and public engagement. Their work contributes to making Austin a greener and more resilient city for future generations.