Arboriculture

​​​​Tree Planting P​rogram

Sign reading 'Trees Planted with Tree Mitigation Funds' with an illustration of Alachua County, Florida, in the foreground. Behind the sign is a grassy open area with young trees planted throughout, a winding path, and a backdrop of dense green forest under a clear blue sky.

Alachua County’s Tree Planting Program uses tree mitigation funds to plant and establish high-quality shade trees species where quality trees can grow and provide the greatest benefit to the community. The highest priority spaces are often located in the urban areas; near busy roads, stormwater basins, and public facilities, such as parks and schools, and shopping centers. Board of County Commissioners has prioritized projects where trees are planted along multimodal transportation corridors where shade and buffering is important for pedestrian safety and comfort. These projects are typically located in urban or suburban settings requiring inter-agency planning and coordination. Community tree planting projects are also conducted to facilitate safe, rewarding opportunities for volunteer groups and community involvement. These projects are designed to shade and beautify recreational facilities and public amenities. Community and volunteer tree planting events allow for the dissemination of good arboriculture information, including the importance and value of trees. The Tree Planting Program is managed and implemented by the County Arborist, within the Environmental Protection Department.​

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Remove a Tree​ ​​
Tree Care​ ​​

ar·bor·i·cul·ture

/ˈärbərəˌkəlCHər,ärˈbôrəˌkəlCHər/
Defined as the cultivation of trees and shrubs

The Arboriculture Division’s primary purpose is to promote the benefits of trees and mitigate canopy loss by implementing the County’s Tree Planting Program.

Arbor Day
Tree Establishment Instructions​
Tree Sponsorship Brochure

Cellon Oak Tree

Tree Planting Work Plan

Every year a number of Tree Planting Projects are identified in our Annual Work Plan. The projects vary in size and location with emphasis being the establishment of trees to benefit intermodal transportation facilities such as shading bus stops, bike routes, parking lots, and sidewalks. To request or recommend tree planting projects in your community or neighborhood contact the County Arborist at (352) 548-1266.

Volunteer Tree Planting Opportunities

The County Arborist schedules a number of unique opportunities for citizens to engage in their communities and assist with tree planting projects. Volunteers learn techniques for proper trees planting. Trees and tools are provided. If you are interested in volunteering for one of our Tree Planting events, please send an email to the County Arborist at Lholtzworth@alachuacounty.us.

Tree planting volunteers

Contact Us

County Arborist: Lacy Holtzworth
Address: 5620 NW 120 Lane, Gainesville FL 32653
Phone: (352) 548-1266
Email:Lholtzworth@alachuacounty.us

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