Tennessee Urban Forestry Council

06/10/2026

06/10/2026

06/09/2026

As summer heat and dry conditions settle into Tennessee, it is important to pay close attention to the health of our urban trees. Extended periods of heat, warm nights, and limited rainfall can place significant stress on trees across our landscapes.

Drought stress can appear in many ways, including leaf scorch, wilting, early leaf drop, thinning canopies, and slowed growth. Providing trees with consistent watering and proper care during dry periods is essential to helping them stay healthy and resilient.

A big thank you to our sponsor, Davey Tree, for helping support tree education and stewardship in our community. Their expertise and commitment to tree care help us continue sharing valuable resources that keep Knoxville’s urban canopy thriving.

Remember to check on your trees this summer and help them weather the heat.

06/08/2026

A major new study makes one thing impossible to ignore: when pregnant moms live around more trees and green space, their children have better early brain and behavioral development. And the biggest gains show up in neighborhoods facing the most stress, pollution, and heat. That hits home for Tennessee. Cities like Memphis, Nashville, Chattanooga, and even fast‑growing suburbs are getting hotter, louder, and harder on families every year. Greening these communities isn’t just about shade or beauty — it’s about protecting pregnant moms, giving Tennessee kids a stronger start, and closing long‑standing health gaps. If we want healthier children and healthier neighborhoods, planting and protecting trees is one of the smartest, simplest steps we can take right now.

This message brought to you by the Tennessee Urban Forestry Council. For more information, visit https://tufc.com/. To become a member, click https://tufc.com/membership/.

06/07/2026

Many people may not yet realize it, but Middle State University is now home to a level 2 certified arboretum—a collection of trees to be studied and enjoyed, a sort of living museum. Unlike most arboretums, this one sprawls across the entire university campus rather than being designated to just one small area or garden.

For students, faculty and staff, the Arboretum can turn getting to and from class into an educational walk and exploration of over 100 different tree species.

Moving through campus, visitors will find a mix of native Tennessee species like oaks, maples, elm and tulip poplars, along with a range of less common trees such as the Kentucky coffeetree and the dawn redwood, planted to increase botanical diversity.

Many trees are labeled with small identification signs, offering names, basic information and a QR code for the viewer to dive a little deeper and to help turn a casual walk into a self-guided learning experience. The collection contains the common crape myrtle, black walnut, weeping willow, red cedar, yoshino cherry, hackberry, Norway spruce, pecan tree and many others.

In a fast-growing area like , it offers a simple and educational way to spend time outside without needing to travel far.

📷 Ashleigh Newnes

More 👇🏻

https://boropulse.com/2026/05/newly-unveiled-and-labeled-mtsu-arboretum-identifies-over-100-tree-species/

06/05/2026

Although Tandy Solomon told News 2 it wasn't an act of protest, climbing her maple tree saved it from being trimmed by Nashville Electric Service.

06/05/2026

For our friends in Knoxville!

Don’t forget to fill out our online survey and tell us where you want to see trees planted in Knoxville and Knox County.

We are looking for community input to help guide future planting locations, with a focus on areas experiencing high urban heat and limited tree canopy. Expanding tree canopy helps provide shade, improve public health, and create habitat for the broader natural ecosystem.

Your input directly supports where Trees Knoxville plants next, so please take a moment to share your suggestions and help us grow a healthier, more resilient city.

Link in our Bio! or follow the link here:
https://survey123.arcgis.com/share/36f90ae4c41b4d4588ec03c3c3cc1392

06/04/2026

Root Nashville is offering up free trees for Davidson County residents.

The citywide campaign is giving Nashvillians the chance to order up to three large native trees for their yards. ➡ https://tinyurl.com/4y234cp7

06/04/2026

Reminder to register for our Young Tree Care Workshop at Urban Wilderness Gateway Park on June 12 from 6–8 PM.

Join Trees Knoxville and Kiera Johns from the City of Knoxville Urban Forestry Division for a hands-on workshop focused on the basics of caring for newly planted trees. Participants will learn proper staking, mulching, watering, and pruning techniques while exploring the park and learning practical tree care skills.

This is a great introductory class for homeowners, volunteers, and anyone interested in helping young trees thrive.

Please dress for outdoor weather conditions and walking activities. All tools and information will be provided.

Registration is required, and space is limited. Visit TreesKnoxville.org/events to sign up.

06/04/2026