Indianapolis' Parks and Recreation Department has a section that is sole dedicated to Forestry.

The Forestry Section shall provide direction and leadership to improve the health of the urban forest and to enhance the quality of life and safety of the citizens of Indianapolis Marion County by:

• Improving community knowledge of the values of our urban forest through a variety of informational programs and activities.
• Creating awareness of and enforcing our city's tree ordinance as required by Chapter 701 of the Revised Code of the City of Indianapolis.
• Maintaining the City's trees to the highest industry standards.
• Pursuing, establishing and maintaining partnerships that are beneficial to the urban forest.
  More infromation about the City's Forestry Section

Indianapolis has been a Tree City USA since 1988.

Tree City USA is a program of the Arbor Day Foundation in cooperation with the USDA Forest Service and the National Association of State Foresters. Each year, it recognizes cities with a viable tree management plan and program. In 2008 Indianapolis celebrated its 20th year as a Tree City USA. Of the 61 Tree Cities in Indiana, only Bloomington has been a Tree City USA longer.

To be a Tree City USA, The city must be legally responsible for the care and management of the community's trees. This may be a professional forester or arborist, an entire forestry department, or a volunteer tree board. A city must also enact a tree ordinance, proclaim and celebrate Arbor Day, and spend at least $2.00 per capita on its community forestry program.

In 2008 Indianapolis also received the Tree City USA Growth Award, which recognizes environmental improvement. This award is designed not only to recognize achievement, but also to communicate new ideas and help the leaders of all Tree City USAs plan for improving community tree care. Indianapolis was one of 14 Growth Award achievers in Indiana.