Take Action / Urban Forestry / TreeKeepers

Become a TreeKeeper

TreeKeepers are dedicated tree guardians leading our efforts to plant 2,500 trees each year. They care for the trees we grow at our two tree nurseries, help us help residents adopt trees, and support our public tree planting efforts. They also help us identify opportunities to plant trees in the neighborhoods most affected by a changing climate.


Plant 50,000 trees by 2040

Paul Weathers

“As a landscape architect I have always cared about the natural environment. Now that I am retired I wanted to volunteer to support a cause that was in sync with my concerns. I support GreenWorks’ goals of improving the environment of our community.

I took part in the latest TreeKeeper training sessions and was invited afterwards to volunteer at the tree nursery. It was important for me to be directly involved in an activity that is making a positive difference in our community.”

Paul Weathers portrait

Become a TreeKeeper

Our dedicated TreeKeeper team inspires us with their dynamic work to protect the neighborhood trees that protect us — and planting new ones to restore the tree canopy.

Our TreeKeepers share their passion by participating in activities that protect and preserve our tree canopy:

  • Care for the next generation of Asheville’s trees at the GreenWorks tree nurseries and at our community orchards and public tree planting sites

  • Participate in public tree plantings

  • Educate our neighbors about tree canopy loss and tree care best practices

  • Maintain a map of public tree planting locations 

  • Support GreenWorks' two annual Tree Adoption events

  • Assist with trainings and orientations 

  • Identify public places to plant new trees 

  • Serve as the "eyes and ears" for trees in their neighborhoods

Volunteers in tree nursery

We host TreeKeeper training sessions twice per year. Sign up to be notified when the next training is open for registration.

TreeKeeper Interest Form

TreeKeeper Victories

We’re so proud of everything this fantastic group of volunteers has accomplished

  • 4

    Neighborhood-led Volunteer TreeKeeper Teams

  • 62

    Dedicated Volunteers

  • 2,448

    Hours Devoted to Restoring our Urban Tree Canopy

  • 4,038

    Native Trees Grown and Planted

Spotlight: Oakley Treekeepers

A partnership between Asheville GreenWorks and the Oakley Neighborhood Association, the Oakley TreeKeepers are working to preserve and protect their tree canopy and honor the Treasured Trees in their neighborhood.

“We just love our trees. We want to preserve the trees we can,
and replace the ones we can’t.”

-Jane Laping, Oakley TreeKeeper