About the Remarkable
Trees of Pittsburgh
Pittsburgh’s remarkable trees have stories to tell. They have witnessed daily life, extraordinary events, and everything in between. Perhaps they’ve thrived where no other green has, creating an oasis of sanctuary. Perhaps they’re at the bustling heart of our neighborhood, gathering us together under their shade. They may have planted themselves, or been carefully selected for a reason. They may have grown true to form, or taken on their own unique shape and character. Whatever their origin, their species, or their appearance, they undoubtedly make our daily commute, jog, or dog walk so much better.
In creating a registry of Remarkable Trees, we aim to celebrate and protect our City’s tree heritage and the many social, economic, environmental, and human health benefits trees provide to current and future residents.
We invite you to celebrate with us. Nominate a Remarkable Tree. As our registry grows, we invite you to visit these Remarkable Trees and celebrate the gifts they provide.
Remarkable Tree Criteria
Remarkable Trees of Pittsburgh must be located on public property.
Trees must fall into at least one of the following categories:
Pittsburgh Champion
The largest, or one of the largest, tree of its species on public property
Witness Tree
A tree with historical and/or cultural significance, e.g. commemorates or has borne witness to a historic event, (has reached a ripe old age), is associated with a celebrated individual or entity, defines a neighborhood, sparks tradition, or is otherwise part of the cultural fabric of the city
Tree of a Kind
Unique in appearance, origin, growth form, or some other aspect; perhaps an unusual species, or tree with an unusual tale
Giving Tree
A tree that’s rich with wildlife and/or plays a key role in the urban ecosystem
Specimen Tree
A horticulturist’s delight — a tree of exceptional structure, health, beauty, etc.
Giving Tree
A tree that’s rich with wildlife and/or plays a key role in the urban ecosystem
Specimen Tree
A horticulturist’s delight — a tree of exceptional structure, health, beauty, etc.
Our Aims and Objectives
Remarkable Trees of Pittsburgh is a program of the City of Pittsburgh Shade Tree Commission. It aims to celebrate and protect our City’s tree heritage — and the many social, economic, environmental, and human health benefits trees provide to current and future residents — with a registry of some of our City’s most remarkable public trees.
Some of our specific objectives are to:
Identify, catalog, recognize, and protect a representative sample of the Remarkable Trees that contribute to our City’s tree heritage and comprise a much-loved portion of our urban forest
Cultivate an appreciation for our City’s trees by telling their stories, and by inviting Pittsburgh residents to share their experiences and connections with Remarkable trees
Generate awareness around the need for re-planting and stewardship, to nurture the next generation of the City’s Remarkable trees
