Round Table

The Phoenix Metro Urban Forestry Roundtable consists of nonprofits, private sector entities, cities, county and state level representatives, and university stakeholder all focused on solving the underlying challenges needed to improve the tree canopy in Arizona.

The goal of the Roundtable is to work collaboratively to improve tree care and planting in Metro Phoenix in ways that will measurably mitigate urban heat island, improve local air quality and prioritize environmental and social justice outcomes through municipal and private investment in trees — particularly in vulnerable neighborhoods currently lacking tree canopy.

Tree Species Committee

The goal is to enhance the valleys greenery by curating a comprehensive list of suitable tree species. To empower industry professionals and the public with accessible, informed choices for the tree species selections in Arizona.

The Tree Reference Guide for Maricopa County includes nearly 100 landscape trees that are available from wholesale nurseries in central Arizona and have been encountered in Phoenix Metro area landscapes. Not all listed are recommended, and some have limited availability. The purpose is to provide information for tree planting projects in arid landscape designs and assist in decision making on tree survivability in landscapes.

Municipalities Committee

The goal is to increase tree equity and improve existing tree canopy within Maricopa county by fostering and enhancing communication, cooperation, and collaboration between municipal officials, tree planting organizations and the community.

The Municipality committee is currently working on an Urban Forestry toolkit which can be viewed here in April 2025. Stay tuned!

Business Partnership Committee

Commercial properties are a big part of the landscape and business owners are a very important part of community leadership. Engaging and collaborating with business leaders is a crucial component of improving and increasing the tree canopy throughout Maricopa County.

The business partnership committee assisted Valley leadership in finalizing their Business partnership toolkit.

Workforce Development Committee

The Workforce Development Committee aims to enhance the stewardship of urban forests, foster place-based sustainability practices, and create equitable green job opportunities while fostering a deeper appreciation and understanding of the vital role of trees in the urban environment. 

The Workforce Development committee members will assist the Greater Phoenix Urban Forestry Accelerator project, led by Jen Clifton at ASU.