American Tree Farm System
The American Tree Farm System® (ATFS) is a network of nearly 83,000 woodland 
owners sustainably managing 26 million acres of forest land. It is the largest and oldest sustainable family woodland system in America, internationally recognized, meeting strict third-party certification standards. ATFS is a program of the American Forest Foundation.
For 70 years, ATFS has enhanced the quality of America’s woodlands by giving private forest owners the tools they need to keep their forests healthy and productive. Stemming the loss of America’s woodlands is vital to our country’s clean water and air, wildlife habitat, recreational activities, and producing the jobs, wood and paper products we all need.
Our green and white diamond shaped Tree Farm signs are widely recognized across the country. Water. Wildlife. Recreation. Wood. The four sides of the Tree Farm sign tell the story of sustainable forestry — a thriving forestland that has clean water, a healthy wildlife habitat and recreational opportunities.
Growing Stewardship From the Roots
ATFS is administered through a network of forest landowners, volunteer members of state and local committees and associations, national and state government agencies, inspecting foresters, forestry consultants, natural resource professionals, and private industry.
Our landowners come from various backgrounds but they all share the commitment to improve their forestland through responsible forest management and conservation techniques. They are lawyers, doctors, entertainers, and U.S. Cabinet members, as well as agricultural farmers, carpenters, retirees, and more. They manage their properties to develop multiple forest benefits including wood, water, wildlife, and recreational opportunities.
How to Become a Certified Tree Farm
ATFS has established standards and guidelines for property owners to meet to become a Certified Tree Farm. 
To become certified, ATFS landowners must:
- own at least 10 acres of forestland
- implement a written forest management plan
- follow the American Forest Foundation's Standards of Sustainability for Forest Certification for Private Forestlands
Tree Farms are inspected and certified to assure proper forest management that includes the conservation of soil, water, and wildlife.
Ready to register your woodlands? Visit ATFS to sign up now!
Connect with us and other woodland owners on Facebook, Twitter, and the American Forest Foundation Blog!
Outstanding Tree Farmers, Woodland Owners, & Their Issues
- Steve & Janet Funk, 2011 National Outstanding Tree Farmers of the Year - Idaho
- Cam Lanier Family, 2010 Woodland Conservation Award Winner & Alabama Outstanding Tree Farmer
- Senator Chambliss recognizes Earl & Wanda Barrs, 2009 National Outstanding Tree Farmers of the Year - Georgia
- Bob & Jean Cooper, 2008 National Outstanding Tree Farmers of the Year - North Carolina
- Bob Falkner Family , 2003 National Outstanding Tree Farmer of the Year - Washington State
- Andy Griffith, Tree Farmer - North Carolina
- Chuck Leavell, Tree Farmer - Georgia
- Fix the Estate Tax for America’s Family Forests - 2010
STIHL, Inc. is the exclusive presenting sponsor of the ATFS Outstanding Tree Farmer of the Year Regional and National Awards, as well as the sole, handheld outdoor power equipment provider for ATFS.
