Welcome To PATrees.org
Trees. They are an important part of Pennsylvania’s landscape and history, providing a wealth of benefits and ecological services to the residents and visitors of the Commonwealth. It’s right in our name – Pennsylvania means “Penn’s Woods” named for its founder William Penn. Nearly 60% (or 17 million acres) of Pennsylvania’s 28 million acres are forested.
Whether it a large tract of forested land, a small wooded homesite, a backyard shade tree, or a row of trees lining a community’s street, they all serve a purpose and provide benefits such as shade, color, beauty, wildlife habitat, clean water and air, and increase property values.
What is PA Trees?
This site was created as a place to learn about Pennsylvania’s trees, how to care for them, and tap into tree expertise across the Commonwealth. It is designed to help answer many of your questions such as:
- How trees grow?
- How should they be cared for?
- What kind of tree should I plant?
- How do trees help our lives and communities?
- Why is my tree dying?
- What species of trees do I have?
- Is my tree safe or will it fail in the next storm?
- How do I find a qualified arborist to care for my tree?
- Will topping my tree really hurt it?
PA Trees will help you dispel old myths about tree care and find research-based information and resources that will help you care the trees that improve our quality of life.
PA Tree News
July
24
Maintaining Healthly Watershed Talk Presented at NYS Urban Forestry Conference
View a PowerPoint presentation that describes how trees and forests help maintain healthy watersheds by reducing stormwater and non-point source pollution that impacts many of urban and suburban streams and waterways.
March
2
A Green Solution to Stormwater Management
Learn how urban tree plantings are helping to reduce stormwater, improving water quality. Recently, a PennVest grant was awarded to PA Community Forests to fund the planting of 1157 trees in 17 northeastern communities.
February
17
Tree Owners Manual Available from the Forest Service
One common issue facing our urban forests is the fact that trees are dying prematurely. Many are planted improperly, setting them up for failure. Many do not receive regular maintenance. And few are adequately protected during construction projects. To help remedy this issue, the Forest Service has created this Tree Owner’s Manual.
Just like the owner’s manual that comes with automobiles and appliances, the Tree Owner’s Manual includes a parts list, instructions for installation, tips for troubleshooting common issues, recommended service, and more.
To download a copy, visit USDA Forest Service Tree Owners Manual
