Trees Last updated or reviewed on December 1, 2022 Urban Forestry Asheville is a city of trees, a characteristic that defines the city’s natural beauty. Asheville’s trees along city streets, in parks and natural areas, in the front- and backyards of homes, and in landscaped open spaces, are collectively known as the city’s “urban forest.” Trees are the lifelines of our city as they beautify neighborhoods and cityscapes, offer privacy screens, provide shade, and absorb harmful gases and other pollutants. Trees provide a natural habitat for birds and wildlife, protect soils from erosion, cool streets and homes in the summer, and protect us from winds in the winter. The City of Asheville is dedicated to maintaining trees, removing damaged or dead trees, and trimming trees in the right-of-way to enhance the city’s natural beauty. Call the City of Asheville’s Customer Service Division at 828-251-1122 if a tree is blocking the road or to request trimming. If a fallen or leaning tree rests on a power line, call Duke Energy Progress at 1-800-419-6356 or 1-800-452-2777. Urban Tree Canopy Study (October 2019) Asheville Urban Forestry Commission The City of Asheville has an Urban Forestry Commission made up of nine citizen volunteers appointed by Asheville City Council. The commission is administered by the Director of Public Works with the goal of protecting and preserving Asheville’s trees. The commission co-sponsors the Treasured Trees program of Buncombe County with Asheville GreenWorks, which recognizes unusual specimen trees. You might have a Treasured Tree on your property! The panel also assists commercial and residential property owners with tree and shrub selection. Join the community efforts to map trees, realize the economic impacts of trees, and use the tree key to identify tree species using the Asheville Tree Map. The commission meets at 1 p.m. on the first Tuesday of each month, please visit the Commission Page or Urban Forestry Public Engagement Page for meeting information and agendas. Native Plants/Invasive Non-Native Plants The City of Asheville prohibits the planting of any invasive non-native plants on property owned and maintained by the City of Asheville. The City encourages the planting of native trees and plants on its property to enhance Asheville’s sense of place in the Southern Appalachian area and to restore habitat for birds, bees, and other wildlife that depend on native plants for sustenance. Refer to the Recommended Species List for species allowed on City property and City-owned rights-of-way. The North Carolina Native Plant Society’s Invasive Exotic Species List of Severe and Significant Threats and the Nonnative Invasive Plants of Southern Forests are lists of species that are not allowed. Below are some other links to sites to assist you in your landscaping needs: Buncombe County Cooperative Extension North Carolina Botanical Gardens Invasive Plants of Southern Forests Forestry Images Forestry Images The Bugwood Network City of Asheville Recommended Tree Shrub List