Welcome to Canopy Conversations, a blog dedicated to all things trees in the beautiful City of Charlotte! We are the City Arborists’ office, which is a part of Landscape Management, and we’re here to talk everything tree-related!

Let’s start with a fun fact: did you know that Charlotte, designated as a City of Trees, boasts one of the most expansive tree canopies in the country? That’s right! It’s not just about the skyline; our trees are valued at a whopping $335 million every year! (Source)

Because of this, we take on the crucial responsibility of maintaining, growing, and protecting city trees, whether in public spaces or residential rights-of-way. We also work in partnership with other city entities, such as Community Tree Canopy Preservation and TreesCharlotte — all with the common goal of tree preservation.

So Why Start a Blog?

We’re excited to launch this blog and be your resource for all things trees. Here, you’ll discover the fascinating work we’re doing, explore Charlotte’s trees and their incredible benefits, and engage in meaningful conversations about our urban canopy.

We believe that everyone has an inner tree enthusiast, so our aim is to showcase interesting aspects of trees while keeping you informed about vital environmental news and the role of trees in sustaining our planet.

What You Will Read: 

Get ready for monthly doses of tree-related information, covering a wide range of interesting and educational topics:

• Discover the ins-and-outs of Charlotte’s beloved tree canopy and why it is crucial to restore and protect it. 

• Stay informed with seasonal facts, from surviving summer storms to spotting seasonal pollinators to how to correctly prune trees for winter. 

• Get to know the passionate team (us!) at the City Arborists’ office. 

• And of course, we’re here to have some fun! You’ll learn some fascinating tree facts that you can use at your next social gathering.  

Meet Our Team of Tree Experts!

Our team brings a wealth of knowledge and experience about the local tree canopy (and beyond), and they’re eager to share their expertise with you:

• Laurie Reid – As the City Arborist, Laurie has extensive experience managing the health of urban forests, especially in cities like Charlotte. With a background in various roles within the City of Charlotte, Laurie is deeply passionate about environmental education, tree preservation, forest health, and studying insects and diseases that affect trees.

• Natasha Warren – Although focused on community education and outreach, Natasha supports various tree management initiatives across the city. With expertise in horticulture and professional landscaping and as an ISA-certified arborist, she’s dedicated to tree care and management.

• Vicky Aguilar – With over 20 years of experience in the Green Industry, Vicky is our Assistant City Arborist. Her profound commitment to protecting natural resources led her to integrate horticultural expertise with conservation practices, making her an invaluable asset to our team.

We also will have guest bloggers, including other arborist specialists and friends of Charlotte’s trees, who will be sharing their unique insights and knowledge. 

We can’t wait for you to get to know our passionate team and explore the exciting content we have in store; make sure to subscribe to stay up-to-date with our posts.