Urban Forestry Program
What is Urban Forestry?
Urban forestry involves managing and caring for trees within urban areas, including those on both public and private land.
Urban Forestry in Renton
The city's Urban Forestry program, part of the Parks and Recreation Department, ensures that the 118,000 trees on public property in Renton are safe, maintained, and sustainable. The program's dedication to supporting environmental resilience in combination with hard work has allowed Renton to be a "Tree City USA" since 2007 and earn its 13th Growth Award in 2023. In 2024, Renton was also recognized as an Evergreen Community by the Washington Department of Natural Resources.
For Renton, the Urban Forester and Inspecting Arborist respond to service requests, inspect trees for hazardous conditions, and do the usual maintenance work – known as arboriculture – which includes planting, pruning, removing, cabling, pest management, code enforcement support, and much more.
Why does the city plant trees?
Urban forestry is critical to urban living yet often overlooked. The City of Renton is committed to enhancing our neighborhoods, and tree planting is one way we can contribute to a healthier and more vibrant community. While we understand that not everyone may see trees as a benefit, they offer several advantages that positively impacts our shared spaces. Such as:
- Improves air quality by filtering pollutants and producing oxygen
- Helps fight climate change
- Helps control flooding and soil erosion
- Provides and improves wildlife habitat
- Provides shade and decreases heating and cooling costs
- Increase real estate values
- Attracts shoppers and other business activities
- Reduce crime rates
- Improve mental and physical health
- Enhances community spirit
Who is a part of the city's Urban Forestry program?
The Urban Forestry program is led by two outstanding individuals: Urban Forester Ian Gray and Inspecting Arborist Gabriella Golzarian. Environmental stewardship, however, is a shared responsibility, and we invite you to take meaningful steps to get involved.
Next steps
There are several ways you can help care for trees in the city:
- Learn the basic practices for tree care on your property.
- Looking to cut the tops of your tree off? STOP and read why topping trees is harmful!
- Explore city programs like the Tree Maintenance Programs, Historical Tree Tour and more.
- Check out the Renton Municipal Code.
- Visit rentonwa.gov/urbanforestry for more information.
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Street Tree Planting Project – Bremerton Ave. NE
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The Urban Forestry Program will be re-planting 27 new trees throughout The Orchards neighborhood. Our planting project is anticipated to start November 10 and end November 14. Two different species will be planted to increase shade coverage, reduce air pollution, slow stormwater runoff, sequester carbon, provide habitat for wildlife, and increase the genetic diversity of Renton’s urban forest.
These trees have been selected due to their hardiness and ability to adapt to the changing climate. Additionally, planting these trees will help the City of Renton reach its goal of 30% canopy coverage by the year 2032.
For more information about Urban Forestry’s future goals, see the 2022-2032 Urban Forest Management Plan.
The trees will be watered and maintained by the Urban Forestry Program. If you notice a damaged or dead city tree, submit a service request through Renton Responds.
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Tree inventory
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