Within our communities, trees are one of the most valuable public assets. They are unique from other assets that public works departments manage in that they are living, growing organisms and can have potentially very long service lives. The care and management of this valuable resource requires specialized, professional expertise and a unique set of work skills. In this best management practices guide, information will be provided to describe the staffing recommended for operating an efficient and effective urban forestry planting and maintenance program within a public works department.