Grow with us! Get involved in Seattle's Steward Program.

If you're like most Seattleites, you love trees. And with good reason! Our city trees provide a canopy of shade, erosion protection, air purification and, of course, natural beauty.

The City of Seattle recognizes the importance of stewardship, taking care of the trees and landscapes that make Seattle the "Emerald City." Because cities often seem to be more for people and vehicles, trees are often found growing under less than desirable conditions.

The few trees that have survived since the Olmsted plantings of the early nineteen hundreds are truly Seattle's legacy trees. Some of Seattle's oldest trees are found in Seward Park and Coleman Park and along the streets in the Madison Park neighborhood, Queen Anne, and Capitol Hill. The City of Seattle recognizes noteworthy trees through the Heritage Tree Program and nominations are always welcome.

Most of Seattle's trees are less than thirty years old and more than 50,000 new trees have been planted in the past 10 years through various City programs. In addition to preserving the larger trees we have, we need to take good care of the young trees that will provide magnificent canopy in years to come. This is quite a challenge and there are many ways that you can be a steward of Seattle's trees and urban forest.

1. Learn more about trees
   • Take a class
   • Read some good books
     • Back Pocket Tree Steward Resource Field Guide
     • A City Among the Trees
     • List of other good tree books
   • Volunteer and learn from others
   
   
2. Inventory the trees & Planting spaces in your neighborhood
3. Organize a neighborhood Tree Planting Project
4. Mobilize a steward party to tend recently planted trees or traffic circles
5. Communicate the wonder and value of nature through art or writing
6. Participate and voice your opinions at neighborhood and public meetings

Select and plant for hardiness and visibility.
See list of recommended plants for suggestions.

Examples of Past Tree Steward Projects

Fall 2001 S Dawson Street"before"

Fall 2001 S Dawson Street"After"

Urban Forestry Information Directory

• Seasonal Tree Care
• Tree Planting
• Other Urban Forestry Resources
• Neighborhood Traffic Control Program
  • Traffic Circles
  • Recommended Right-of-Way Plant List
• Grants for trees and landscaping improvements

Gardening in the Street Right-of-Way

2004 Streetside Gardening Contest

Online Gardening Newsletters

Information about classes and resources are available to schools, community and business groups.
See list of classes and other resources.

Persons with disabilities may call voice or TTY phone numbers to obtain this material in an alternate format.

Program Manager:
Liz Ellis, ISA Certified Arborist
Urban Forestry
Seattle Department of Transportation
700 5th Avenue, Suite 3900
PO Box 34996
Seattle, WA 98124-4996

Voice 206-684-TREE (8733)
TTY 206-684-4009
Fax 206-615-0899