Urban Forestry
Urban Forestry is the art, science and technology of managing trees, forests and natural systems in and around urban areas for the health and well-being of communities.

Urban Forests
Urban Forests include individual trees, parks and greenspace, trees lining streets, small remnants of woods and forest, and the relationship of such to water, wildlife and people.

Kentucky Division of Forestry’s Urban Forestry Assistance Program states:
Urban forests are a valuable asset to the Commonwealth of Kentucky. These forests should be managed for their social, economic and environmental benefits. Proper management can be obtained through a comprehensive urban forestry program that includes citizen support and a properly trained work force.

Benefits of the Urban Forest
Urban forests are vital resources of our ecosystems; as such, they provide a range of interrelated environmental and socioeconomic benefits.

These benefits include:

• Increased property value     
• Decreased energy consumption
• Improved air quality
• Reduced storm water runoff
• Decreased soil erosion
• Improved water quality
• Buffered zones
• Reduced noise levels
• Enhanced atmosphere in shopping district having positive impact on consumer behavior
• Increased recreational opportunities
• Improvements in health, safety and well-being of residents
• Added visual continuity, identity, landmarks, and pride to communities
• Beautification, and enhanced unique environments and visual landscapes
• Increased wildlife habitat