The Arizona State Forestry Division's mission is to manage and reduce wildfire risk to Arizona's people, communities, and wildland areas while providing forest resource stewardship through strategic implementation of forest health policies and cooperative forestry assistance programs. Assistance programs include urban forestry programs, among others.

The Urban and Community Forestry (UCF) program promotes sustainable management of Arizona's urban forests, and works collaboratively with partners across the state and Southwestern U.S.

This newsletter will serve as a resource for the latest and greatest in urban forestry, as well as an educational and informational publication for those who reside in the great State of Arizona and members of the broader urban forest community. For now, you can expect this newsletter to go out 4 times a year.

The UCF program provides educational, technical, and financial assistance through the following:

• Community Challenge Grants and Grantee Showcase
• Statewide Arbor Day Celebration
• Tree City USA/Tree Line USA/Tree Campus USA Recognition Programs 
• Tree Recognition Programs
• Partnerships with Non-Profits Dedicated to Urban & Community Forestry
• Urban Forest Management Plan Development & Tree Ordinances
• Urban Forest Canopy Inventories and Mapping
• Tree Identification and Education

Tiger moth larva and webbing on ponderosa pine

If you think the winters of Northern Arizona cause tree related insects to die or go dormant, you'd be correct... except for a few insects.

Found in undisturbed forests through more developed forested areas like Flagstaff, the tiger moth is one of Arizona's only tree related insects that is still active in the winter. As the name suggests, this native moth has contrasting colors-either striped or spotted-like tigers. Throughout the winter, tiger moth larval caterpillars will feed during the day on needles and return to their tents at night and during cold weather. Tents are created by the young caterpillars, usually around September and October. By April and May, their conspicuous white webs become very noticeable as they expand their tents. Looking for the webs at the topmost branches during this time of year is the best way to detect the tiger moth. Ponderosa pine is the preferred host but it is occasionally found on Douglas-fir, white fir, spruce, and pinyon pine. Needle defoliation on the tree is evident in the immediate area around the tent and can be unsightly on ornamental trees.

Although tiger moths feed on needles, their presence is mainly aesthetic, and will not harm most trees. For smaller trees, caterpillars can be hand-picked and disposed of properly by using gloves, without deforming the tree. Most new growth on large trees masks the defoliation. Therefore, treatment is not necessary, as the only option will soon deform the tree. If a deformed tree is acceptable and you have decided to treat for tiger moths, prune the branches with the tents late in the evening and place them in plastic bags for disposal. Caution: The hairs can produce rashes and blisters on the skin of people who are sensitive to them. 

Market prices for fuelwood can vary depending on tree species and region.

Processing residential trees into fuelwood is also another good utilization option. To a limited extent there are markets for fuelwood throughout the state. Depending on the species, wholesale fuelwood manufacturers may have some interest in purchasing trees that are being removed. Certain ornamental trees species are aromatic when burned and can be sold as a specialty item. Likewise some tree species burn hotter and longer than other tree species, and are more sought after.

However, there are also options available if you would like to

dispose of landscaping waste and trees in a cost effective and environmentally conscious manner. Many communities have "green waste" disposal yards or regularly scheduled pickup dates for landscaping waste and other woody materials. In Yavapai County, the Firewise communities work together with the local fire districts and municipal waste authorities to schedule annual green waste collection days.  The green waste collection days provide an opportunity for communities to dispose of the trees and shrubs that are removed around residential structures in an effort to reduce the risk of wildland fire to homes. The collected green waste is consolidated at a transfer station in Prescott and ground into mulch that is made available to the general community. If your local city government does not have annual green waste pick days, there is most likely a private business in the area that will charge a nominal fee for you to dispose of your landscape and tree trimmings. One such business in Navajo County separates the incoming green waste based upon the size of the incoming material. Large limbs and tree segments are processed into shavings that can be used for horse and animal bedding. The smaller size material received at this green waste facility in Navajo County is ground up and sold as a mulch product.