About the Tree Steward Program
The Tree Steward Community Volunteer Program brings together UMN-backed research and education with municipal leadership and environmentally-focused volunteers to bolster local tree care capacity and technical expertise.
Tree Steward volunteers can be trained in a wide array of topics related to trees. This education can include, but is not limited to, the following topics:
- Properly planting trees and leading others at planting events
- Properly pruning young trees to improve the overall health and structure
- Pruning suckers and sprouts from young and mature trees to ensure safety and proper sightlines for the public
- Watering devices available for use and the benefits of utilizing watering devices for young and newly planted trees
- Installation of watering devices on public trees
- Identification of common tree diseases and pests
- How to identify trees of concern - we want to keep the public safe!
- How to report trees of concern to your community so action can be taken
You know your community best
Once volunteers are trained, the UMN hands primary leadership of the program over to local staff. This ensures that the power for change stays at the community level and that volunteer events and activites are tailored to meet regional tree care needs.
Tree Trek signs point out local species
Learn to ID tree goodies like buckeyes
Tree Steward groups across Minnesota
