About SMA

Founded in 1964, the SMA is an organization of municipal arborists and urban foresters. Our membership also includes commercial firms, nonprofits, tree boards, tree wardens, allied professionals, and citizens who actively practice or support some facet of municipal forestry. 

A professional affiliate of the International Society of Arboriculture, the SMA has members from across North America and beyond. Through our magazine, City Trees, our conferences, our website and our many active members, we strive to create networking and educational opportunities that promote the sound, professional management of a vital and invaluable resource.

Want to learn more? View or download our SMA History or visit our Organizational Overview page. 

SMA Mission:
The Society of Municipal Arborists builds the confidence, competence and camaraderie of all professionals who manage trees and forests to create and sustain more livable communities.

SMA Vision:
A thriving and inclusive Society of engaged leaders.

SMA Core Values:

• Integrity
• Collaboration
• Service
• Inclusivity
• Global Perspective
• Innovation

SMA Objectives:

• To promote and improve the practice of professional municipal arboriculture.
• To stimulate greater interest in the planting and presentation of shade trees and landscape plants.
• To promote public awareness of the beautification of urban areas through proper arboricultural practices.
• To recommend and uphold a Code of Ethics.
• To initiate and support scientific investigation of problems concerned with municipal arboriculture.
• To sponsor an annual meeting and trade show devoted to the presentation and exchange of information of value to arboriculture.