Society of Municipal Arborists Annual Awards

Nominate an amazing tree person or project today!

Our members do great things throughout the year! The SMA Awards Committee seeks nominations for awards and honors that will be presented during our annual conference in 2023 (exact details and timing of conference to come). Please nominate deserving individuals or organizations for one or more of the awards listed below. The award application will be open soon.

SMA Annual Award Categories

Award of Merit – For advancing the profession of arboriculture and urban forestry
The Award of Merit, the highest honor the Society can bestow, recognizes outstanding meritorious services by a member who advances the principals, ideals, and practices of municipal arboriculture and urban forestry. 

Award of Achievement – For advancing the public’s commitment to community trees and forests
The Award of Achievement is presented to a member who has clearly advanced the public’s awareness of, and commitment to urban forests and trees. 

Honorary Life Membership – For career contributions to the Society
Honorary Life Membership is granted to members of the Society who have contributed materially, substantially, and unselfishly to support and promote the Society and its mission over time.

Honorary Membership – For substantive contributions of non-members to the Society’s mission
Honorary Membership for a full year is granted to individuals who are not members of the Society, to recognize continuing commitment and outstanding service to advancing municipal arboriculture and urban forestry.

Legacy Project of the Year Award – For an innovative project, program, or partnership that has demonstrated results.
The Legacy Project of the Year Award is presented to an agency or organization that has raised public awareness and appreciation of community trees and urban forests through a unique and innovative project, program, or partnership that includes the work of an ISA Certified Municipal Specialist, or an SMA Accredited Municipal Program.

 i-Tree Innovation Award – For creative applications of i-Tree tools to enhance community forest management
The i-Tree innovation award is awarded to a member, agency, or community for successful implementation of a project or program using i-Tree as an integral component.

Please submit direct questions or correspondence to:
Steve Cothrel, Chair
SMA Awards Committee
6141 Lancaster-Kirkersville Rd. NW
Baltimore, OH 43105
[email protected]


View a list of previous award winners