Eight ingredients help shape a good program. The purpose of this article is to list these ingredients and explain why they are important. Included are the general fundamentals of awareness, evaluation, planning and action. A municipality's citizens need to be aware of and support tree improvement efforts. Evaluation of existing conditions is necessary for the preparation of prioritized plans.
Action then follows to assure greater program stability.
Trees are desirable elements in cities and towns. Because of the numerous benefits provided by trees, the forest they create is considered a community asset, just like streets, light, sewers, police and fire protection, and schools. As with these other assets,, the urban forest needs routine maintenance and management to assure it remains healthy and beneficial rather than becoming a liability. The group of activities developed for the purpose of planting, caring for and managing trees is called an urban forestry program. These programs are becoming established in an increasing number of municipalities.