Spanning more than 2,500 acres across over 130 campuses, AISD’s urban forest is home to over 17,000 trees, including some of Austin’s most notable heritage trees. Our trees provide shade, improve air quality, reduce heat, support wildlife, enhance outdoor learning, and create healthier school environments. Through urban forest management, tree planting, and ongoing stewardship, AISD works to ensure its trees stay healthy and safe, and that they are able to grow and thrive as valuable resources to our schools and community.
Tree Maintenance event, 2024, hosted by TreeFolksTree Care & Maintenance
Tree maintenance on AISD campuses includes proper pruning and plant health practices that adhere to the International Society of Arboriculture standards to promote tree health and ensure the safety of our schoolyards.
- AISD requires that all tree work be completed by qualified arborists or trained staff. If your campus needs tree trimming, have a campus administrator submit a work order in Asset Essentials. Photos and maps of the tree locations are required in order to schedule work.
- Please note that AISD does not have a dedicated tree crew. Work is coordinated by the AISD Urban Forester with contractors and qualified personnel.
- If you have identified a “Dangerous Tree” on an AISD campus, please submit a “Dangerous Tree” work order request in Asset Essentials for review by the AISD Urban Forester. Click here for a helpful FAQ.
- For tree questions, please email trees@austinisd.org
Austin History Center, Austin Public Library
Tree Planting & Reforestation
AISD is committed to continued reforestation efforts on our campuses to support a thriving urban forest that will continue to grow with the community and generations of students to come.
Austin ISD continues to expand and strengthen its tree canopy through grants and community partnerships. Schools interested in planting trees or hosting volunteer tree planting events must submit a Campus New Project Request. The AISD Urban Forester will assist in planning the project and providing guidance on planting location, species selection, etc. Do not plant trees until you submit your project for review.
- Partners
- Grants
- Austin Urban Forest Grant
- Austin Climate Action and Resilience Bright Green Futures Grant
- Fruitful Commons Tree Care Mini Grant
- If your campus is a Join-Use Site then your campus is also eligible for the following grants:
hosted by Treefolks
Trees as Teachers
Trees are living classrooms that connect students to creative learning, stewardship, and the natural world. Explore these programs and resources to bring tree-based learning into your classroom or school.
Tree Campus USA K-12
Earn national recognition for creating meaningful opportunities for students to learn about and care for trees
Youth Forest Council
Paid internship for Austin-area youth interested in urban forestry, conservation, and public service careers
National Wildlife Federation Eco-Schools
Action cards and certification pathways for school forestry, habitat, and environmental stewardship projects. See our Green Teams & School Engagement page for more info. Also check out the Trees for Wildlife Event Planning and Activity Guide!
TreesAreGood
Classroom resources and tree care information from the International Society of Arboriculture.
I-Tree
Explore the environmental benefits and value of trees using interactive analysis tools.
Texas Tree Planting Guide
Find recommended tree species and planting guidance from the Texas A&M Forest Service.
American Forests Tree Equity Scores
Explore tree canopy and equity data map to support school and community planning.
Tree Inventory & Planning
Between 2017 and 2019, AISD completed a comprehensive district wide tree inventory of more than 15,500 trees through funding from a City of Austin Urban Forest Grant. Through ongoing partnership with the City of Austin Youth Forest Council, we now have over 17,000 trees inventoried. The inventory documents each tree's location, species, size, and condition, providing valuable data to support long-term planning, maintenance, risk management, and educational opportunities. Austin ISD accesses this information through the City of Austin's interactive TreePlotter Support resources to learn how to navigate the application. If you would like a campus-specific TreePlotter link or have questions about the inventory, please contact the AISD Urban Forester at trees@austinisd.org.
Austin ISD Urban Forestry Contact: Trees@austinisd.org
