Seattle’s urban forest is made up of all the trees on public and private land. Trees are part of the urban forest along with plants that grow in the understory, soil, and waterways next to or beneath the tree canopy.

Seattle communities and our urban forest need each other. Trees improve public health, protect our environment, and provide many other economic and community benefits. Like roads, bridges, and utility lines, our urban forest is part of Seattle’s public infrastructure, and it requires our collective care.

The City of Seattle actively manages the urban forest, relying on multiple City departments, including planning, utilities, transportation, engineering, and parks. Nine departments work together under the Trees for Seattle umbrella and charter structure to support Citywide coordination and alignment. 

OSE plays a central role in Seattle urban forestry, working with staff and leadership across the City and in partnership with communities to develop a shared urban forest management vision and approach. OSE also leads coordination and reporting for citywide urban forestry policy, issues, and initiatives, convenes urban forestry interdepartmental teams, and staffs the Urban Forestry Commission. Together, we can keep Seattle’s trees and urban forest healthy and growing.