Become a Volunteer

Volunteers turn our mission of a greener Nashville into a reality! Learn about the many volunteer opportunities Nashville Tree Foundation has to offer, find the perfect fit, and dig right in!

Volunteer Education Courses Offered through Nashville Tree Foundation

Planting 101 – Learn how to properly plant and care for a tree.

Pruning 101 – Online course that takes 30 – 60 minutes.  *This is a prerequisite to Pruning 102. 

Pruning 102 In-field class where we learn to prune some of our more mature trees. Pruning courses will be offered in late winter and are capped at 15 participants per class.

Upcoming Events and Actions

Thursday Tree Watering Support

Thu, Sep 17 @ 7:00am CDT

Thursday Tree Watering Support

Nashville, TN

See Event Details

Volunteer as an Individual

Each year during the planting season (October through March) our team relies on volunteers like you to help us plant all across the city. We plant big and small, at school, in neighborhoods, and more. You name it, we’re planting it!

When we’re not planting, we’re caring for the young trees that were planted in the last two years. Mulching, pruning, water… there’s always something to do! Tree Care Days offer tasks for volunteers of all ages and ability, and take place all year round!

We’re working hard to ensure all Nashvillians have access to trees for their yards. Join us to help distribute free trees at one of our Tree Adoption events!

 Not seeing your thing? Here are some other ways you can help:

  • Community outreach
  • Office assistance
  • Supply delivery for events

Volunteer as a Group

Volunteering is a team effort! Nashville Tree Foundation will work with your group of any size to find a service event that fits you best. Check out some of our options and fill out the Interest Form to hear from us.

Looking for a team building activity that has a big social impact? From October to March, our planting season is in full swing. Group planting days are a good fit for medium to large groups of any experience level!

For smaller groups, or for events outside of our typical planting season, we offer scalable opportunities for tree stewardship. Learn about tree care as your group gives a grove of young trees the boost they need to thrive during the growing season.

Organize an educational workshop or presentation that ties your organization’s goals into our mission of service and environmental growth with a Lunch and Learn. 

Become a Lead Volunteer

Are you 18+ years of age and have an interest in helping at tree planting events?

You can qualify to become a Lead Volunteer! These special group leaders help train others and supervise tree plantings at events throughout the season. Gain valuable leadership and arboriculture experience, meet like-minded tree lovers, and grow Nashville’s tree canopy with us.

Get the inside scoop on the world of Urban Forestry, a unique and engaging science that helps us determine where to plant, what to plant, and how to best maintain a diverse and resilient urban tree canopy!

After attending a community event with NTF as a volunteer, such as a school planting or Tree Adoption, you are invited to register for our Lead Volunteer workshop! All levels of arboriculture experience are welcome. We recommend a donation of $15 for workshop attendance to help us cover event costs.

Our workshops introduce to the history and mission of Nashville Tree Foundation, our planting and maintenance procedures, and guide you through the certification process. Once completed, new lead volunteers are qualified to step in at any of our events. NTF’s planting season runs from September to March, but tree care and adoption events occur all year.

To learn more about becoming a Lead Volunteer, contact our Outreach Coordinator

Frequently Asked Questions

Everyone! We do ask that children under 16 are accompanied by an adult.

Our Resources page has everything you need.

Yep, we’ve got everything covered! From shovels and gloves to water and first aid kits, our team comes prepared to every event.