By Mindy Davis

For nearly four decades, the Nashville Tree Foundation (NTF) has worked to plant, protect, and promote trees across Davidson County. Founded in 1986, the nonprofit recognizes that trees are more than landscape features—they are essential infrastructure. A healthy urban canopy improves air and water quality, reduces urban heat, supports wildlife, and strengthens neighborhood resilience. In 2026, the organization proudly celebrates its 40th anniversary, marking decades of community partnership in growing Nashville’s urban forest.

The NTF advances its mission through hands-on volunteer work and community engagement. Throughout the year, NTF hosts community tree plantings and stewardship events that bring residents together to care for parks, neighborhoods, and other shared spaces. Seasonal tree distribution events in the fall and spring help residents plant trees on their own properties, expanding the city’s canopy one yard at a time.

Education is also a key part of the foundation’s work. The Tree Stewards program, launched last year, provides residents with practical knowledge about tree care, urban forestry, and canopy stewardship. Participants learn how to identify, plant, and maintain trees so they can serve as informed advocates for Nashville’s urban forest. NTF also hosts Canopy Connections, a networking series organized with the Tennessee Urban Forestry Council that brings together local tree professionals, volunteers, and tree enthusiasts.

One of the organization’s most beloved initiatives is the Big Old Tree Contest, an annual celebration of Davidson County’s most impressive and meaningful trees. The contest highlights both the physical grandeur of large trees and the stories that connect them to the community.

Winners are recognized in several categories. The Overall Biggest Tree and species-specific winners are determined through measurements of circumference, height, and canopy spread. Additional categories—such as Story Tree, Unique Tree, and Biggest Tree Nominated by a Junior Tree Hugger—celebrate the cultural and personal connections people have with their trees.

Among the standout winners in the 2025 Big Old Tree Contest was a magnificent Tulip Poplar (Liriodendron tulipifera) located on Hillwood Boulevard. With a circumference of 185 inches, a height of 136 feet, and a canopy spread of nearly 123 feet, it was named the contest’s Overall Winner.

This Tulip Poplar, 2025 Overall Winner, is owned by the Caldwell family and was nominated by Ashley Levi.

Other memorable honorees include the “Kissing Trees” in Fannie Mae Dees “Dragon” Park—a hackberry and black walnut growing side by side and leaning toward one another, earning the Unique Tree award. The Story Tree category recognized a towering Red Oak on South Douglas Avenue, nominated by a young “Junior Tree Hugger,” whose family has watched the tree grow and serve as a landmark in their neighborhood for years.

Miriam Mimms, a Nashville Tree Foundation board member and the Commissioner of Beautification and Environment for District 18, nominated these conjoined “Kissing Trees” (Hackberry Celtis occidentalis & Black Walnut Juglans nigra) in the 2025 Unique Tree category.

This Red Oak was nominated by Ellis Costello, a Junior nominator in the 2025 Story Tree category. It measures 172 inches in circumference, stands approximately 120 feet tall, and has a canopy spread of 93 feet.

Residents who care about Nashville’s urban forest can get involved in many ways. Community members can volunteer at tree plantings and stewardship events, participate in educational programs, or support canopy recovery efforts through donations. Following NTF on social media @nashvilletree is another way to stay informed about upcoming opportunities.

To learn more about volunteering, educational programs, or other ways to participate, visit:

https://nashvilletreefoundation.org/get-involved/

Those interested in supporting Nashville’s urban canopy through donations can contribute at: https://nashvilletreefoundation.org/donate/give/

Through community engagement and a shared love of trees, the Nashville Tree Foundation continues its work to ensure that Nashville’s urban forest thrives for generations to come.