The University of Pittsburgh is committed to cultivating sustainable landscapes that increase biodiversity and enrich ecosystem services, which are vital to human health and well-being. As part of our Pitt Sustainability Plan goal to grow tree canopy on-campus and off 50% by 2030, Pitt Tree Tender training is open to all Pitt community members in partnership with Tree Pittsburgh.
Become a certified Tree Tender to help grow our region’s tree canopy!
Tree Tender Commitment
Love trees and want to learn how to care for them in Oakland or your home neighborhood? Help Pitt grow Oakland’s tree canopy by becoming a certified Pitt Tree Tender.
All Pitt employees and students are eligible to become a Tree Tender for free. After you do, so we ask you to commit to volunteering to helping maintain street trees in Oakland in partnership with Oakland Planning and Development Corporation (OPDC) and/or in your own home neighborhood.
Pitt’s Tree Tender course is taught by Tree Pittsburgh and covers urban forestry practices, tree biology and health, basic tree identification, proper pruning and maintenance, and how to lead your community in organizing tree plantings and tree care.
Pitt community members can become certified for free by completing asynchronous virtual trainings and a competency quiz. You’ll also receive special invitations for twice annual Campus Tree Walks.
Pittsburgh Tree Canopy
- Pitt's Tree Efforts
Not familiar with Pitt’s tree-focused efforts? Read more.
- How to Plant a Street Tree
DYK that the City of Pittsburgh has rules about planting street trees? Whatever the reason, if you would like to see a tree planted on public property, it requires contact with the City of Pittsburgh Forestry Division. Learn more.
- Pittsburgh Equitable Street Tree Investment Strategy (2021)
Read the City of Pittsburgh’s Shade Tree Commission’s 2021 Equitable Street Tree Investment Strategy on how to promote tree maintenance and growth in low-income neighborhoods with low tree canopy as part of the City’s efforts to plant 100,000 trees over the next decade.
- Pittsburgh Urban Forest Master Plan (2012)
Learn more about the plans for the future of trees in Pittsburgh by reading the 2012 Pittsburgh Urban Forest Master Plan.
Community Tree Resources
- Tree Pittsburgh
Tree Pittsburgh is a Pittsburgh nonprofit organization dedicated to enhancing community vitality by restoring and protecting the urban forest through tree planting and care, education, advocacy, and land conservation.
Learn about the benefits of trees
Signup to adopt a tree for your yard
Learn how to choose an arborist
- TreeVitalize Pittsburgh
TreeVitalize is an application based, community tree planting program. Pitt Tree Tenders can help their communities apply for grants to get street trees planted in their neighborhood.
- Western Pennsylvania Conservancy
For nature lovers or anyone who wants to see our region thrive, Western Pennsylvania Conservancy has volunteer opportunities for you, including focused on trees. Find volunteer opportunities near you.
- I-Tree Design
I-Tree Design helps estimate the benefits of planting trees on your property based on species and size.
Campus Tree Advisory Committee
Helps maintain the beauty of the campus landscape, while protecting the environment and fostering conservation efforts within the community. Along with leading Pitt’s Tree Campus Higher Education certification through the Arbor Day Foundation.