If you’re interested in the trees along streets, in parks, and in front yards, you might find yourself wondering:
“What is the study of urban trees actually called?”
In practice, most people use two main terms: urban forestry for the whole city’s trees, and arboriculture for the care of individual trees.
There’s also a related field called urban ecology, which looks at all living things in the city, not just trees. Let’s break down how these terms fit together.
The Short Answer
- The study and management of all trees in cities and towns is called urban forestry.
- The study and care of individual trees (how they grow, how to prune them, diagnose problems, etc.) is called arboriculture.
- When people look at how trees fit into the bigger city ecosystem—along with birds, insects, people, soil, and water—that’s often called urban ecology.
So depending on the scale you’re interested in, you might be talking about:
- Urban forestry – the whole urban forest
- Arboriculture – one tree at a time
- Urban ecology – the bigger living system that trees are part of
Urban Forestry: The Big Picture
Urban forestry is the field that looks at all the trees in cities, towns, and suburbs as a single “urban forest.”
Urban foresters ask questions like:
- How much tree canopy does this neighborhood have?
- Where are trees missing, and where should we plant more?
- Which species mix is safest for long-term health (so one pest can’t wipe everything out)?
- How do trees interact with streets, utilities, buildings, and people?
Urban forestry blends:
- Forestry
- City planning
- Environmental science
- Public works and infrastructure management
Arboriculture: One Tree at a Time
While urban forestry zooms out, arboriculture zooms in.
Arboriculture is the science and practice of caring for individual trees, especially in landscapes where people live and work.
Arborists study things like:
- Tree anatomy and biology
- How trees respond to pruning
- How to identify pests, diseases, and structural defects
- Safe techniques for climbing, rigging, and removals
- How soil, water, and construction affect tree health
Certified arborists:
- Inspect trees for safety and health
- Prune for structure and clearance
- Remove hazardous or declining trees
- Plant and establish new trees
- Advise homeowners and cities on long-term care
Urban Ecology: Trees in the City Ecosystem
There’s one more related term you’ll sometimes hear: urban ecology.
Urban ecology isn’t just about trees; it looks at:
- Plants, animals, and insects in cities
- How green spaces affect air, water, and climate
- How people, wildlife, and built environments interact
Urban ecologists might study:
- How bird populations use street trees and parks
- How tree canopy affects urban heat islands
- How planting design influences pollinators and other wildlife
Trees are a major piece of urban ecology—but not the only one.
How These Fields Work Together
In real life, there’s a lot of overlap:
- An urban forester might plan a neighborhood planting project, choosing species and locations to increase canopy and reduce heat.
- An arborist might later prune those same trees, diagnose problems, and keep them safe around homes and sidewalks.
- An urban ecologist might study how the new trees change temperatures, bird activity, or stormwater patterns.
They’re all looking at urban trees—but from slightly different angles and scales.
Do I Need to Use the “Right” Term?
If you’re a homeowner or property manager, you don’t need to stress about perfect terminology.
In most practical situations:
- When you’re hiring someone to work on trees, you look for a certified arborist or reputable tree service.
- When you’re reading about city-wide tree planning or canopy goals, you’re in the world of urban forestry.
Behind the scenes, many professionals have training in both arboriculture and urban forestry—and they may also draw on urban ecology research to make better decisions.
Why It Matters to Know the Difference
Understanding the terms helps you:
- Ask better questions
- Understand what different professionals do
- Find the right type of help for your situation
Examples:
- “I want someone to inspect the big tree over my house” → Arborist / tree care company
- “Our neighborhood wants more shade and street trees” → Urban forestry program / city forester
- “I’m curious how trees affect heat and wildlife in my city” → Urban forestry + urban ecology studies
Where to Learn More
If the study of urban trees and city forests interests you, good next steps are:
The Bottom Line
So, what is the study of urban trees called?
- At the city-wide level, it’s called urban forestry.
- At the single-tree level, it’s called arboriculture.
- At the ecosystem level, it often falls under urban ecology.
Different names, same core idea: understanding and caring for the trees that share our streets, yards, and neighborhoods.
