Frequently Asked Questions

Happening Now​​

Hurricane Helene’s impact on Asheville’s urban canopy is currently being measured. As we kick off the Urban Forest Master Plan post-Helene, we will look at changes in Asheville's tree canopy over time, and provide a health assessment of trees on public land (within parks and alongside roadways). This data will help to inform community conversations that we lead during the public engagement phase of this project.

 

We want to hear from You!

What are your thoughts and feelings about trees? Whether you rent or own property, are a business owner, school teacher, cook or firefighter, your thoughts matter! Stay tuned for a 5-minute online survey (launching November 1, 2025) and share it with your neighbors and friends. This is your opportunity to help shape the future of Asheville’s tree canopy.

 

Stay up to date on the latest news from this project. Subscribe for email and/or text alerts in the box at the top of this page!

complete
complete
September 2024

Invasive Species Assessment

In order to better understand the type and level of invasive species pressures on Asheville's urban forest, qualified contractors assessed multiple locations throughout Asheville in September 2024 (prior to Helene). 

Asheville Parks Invasive Assessment Report - 2024

complete
complete
July 2025

Urban Tree Canopy Report 

Using data collected in 2022, this report provides a detailed, pre-storm baseline for measuring the percentage of tree canopy cover in Asheville. A post-storm analysis is scheduled for 2026. 

Asheville Urban Tree Canopy Report - 2018 to 2022

planned
planned
November 1, 2025 - April 30, 2026

Public Feedback Survey

Public input will be used to inform the recommendations in the final plan. Use the box at the top of the page to subscribe and receive a link to take the survey, plus all the lastest updates on the project!

planned
planned
November 2025 - April 2026

Urban Forestry Road Show! 

We want to hear from you, but who wants another meeting to attend? Invite us to come speak with your group at your next gathering. We will explain the project, answer your questions and collect your recommendations to include with all the community feedback. We will come to you! Email avltrees@publicinput.com for more info. 

planned
planned
January 2026

Public Tree Inventory

Tree experts will walk through selected areas counting trees in the public right-of-way (8-10 feet beside public roadways). This work started the first week of September 2024, and was interrupted by Hurricane Helene. The tentative restart date is January 2026.

Learn more

planned
planned
January 2026

Virtual introduction to the Urban Forest Master Plan

Join us virtually to learn about the Urban Forest Master Plan. We will share what we know about Asheville’s urban forest, explain the master plan process, answer your questions and hear from you about your priorities.

(Link to register will be added soon!)

planned
planned
February - March 2026

Stakeholder Workshops

The project consultant, Urban Canopy Works, LLC, will host two sequential workshops for stakeholders who represent organizations and agencies who impact the urban forest. These workshops will help us understand the issues, challenges and opportunities that exist around Asheville's urban forest. 

planned
planned
March 2026

Public Workshop (date and location TBD) 

Join us for a workshop with the project consultants to learn what we know about Asheville's urban forest, and participate in a community conversation to discuss the issues, challenges and opportunities that exist around Asheville's urban forest. Public feedback at this workshop will be included in the final recommendations of the Urban Forest Master Plan. All are welcome to attend! 

planned
planned
Summer 2026

Post-storm Canopy Assessment

Using high-resolution satellite and advanced imaging technology, a canopy assessment will be conducted in 2026 to compare with previous years' tree data to better understand the impacts of Hurricane Helene on Asheville's urban tree canopy. 

planned
planned
June - December 2026

Using our latest forestry data, a review of City programs, policies and operations, and feedback collected during public engagement, the project consultants will draft Asheville's Urban Forest Master Plan. The Plan will lay out community goals for the urban forest and provide a roadmap of recommendations to work toward those goals for the next 20 years.

Keep in mind that the recommendations will not automatically go into effect once the plan is published. This is the community's plan, and implementation will be a city-wide effort! 

planned
planned
January 2027

Publish the final Draft Plan

Frequently Asked Questions

An urban forest refers to all the trees in a city's boundary, whether they are in a city owned park, a privately owned home, or anywhere else. The amount of land shaded by trees is referred to as the tree canopy. In Asheville, tree canopy was measured at 44.5% in 2019. This project includes a study that will measure current canopy coverage.

An Urban Forest Master Plan is a strategic plan to improve a community's urban forest. The plan is created by assessing the current health and distribution of Asheville's trees and by engaging with residents, stakeholders, and the community at large to determine needs, set goals, and provide recommendations for the steps needed to achieve those goals.

In 2019, the City of Asheville completed a study of its tree canopy and discovered that the tree canopy that shades the community has decreased by 6.4% in the last decade. Canopy is currently measured at 44.5%. This report was a call to action for Asheville residents who were concerned about continued losses. On June 11, 2024, City Council approved a contract with Urban Canopy Works, LLC, to develop an Urban Forest Master Plan to help the city expand and improve its urban forest.

Contact:

Keith Aitken, Urban Forester
City of Asheville I Planning and Urban Design
kaitken@ashevillenc.gov 
828-259-5674