Statistics & FAQ

• ATFS is the world's oldest sustainable forestry and certification program



• A Tree Farm sign hangs on one out of every ten forested acres in the United States



• There are 90,473 Tree Farmers who own 24 million acres of certified forestland in 46 states



• ATFS has more than 4,400 volunteer inspecting foresters



• ATFS publishes the award winning magazine, Tree Farmer, The Guide to Sustaining America's Family Forests, the only magazine whose editorial board is comprised of Tree Farmers

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I become a member of ATFS if I don't have a written management plan?
No. You must have a written management plan and must meet AFF Standards and guidelines to belong. If you are interested, an inspecting forester can help develop a written management plan.

Can I still participate in ATFS if I don't meet the standards and guidelines?
Yes. We have a special designation called a "pioneer Tree Farmer." Pioneers have five years to develop their Tree Farms to meet the standards and guidelines to become a certified Tree Farmer.

Do Tree Farmers only produce wood?
No. ATFS values are stated on our green and white Tree Farm sign, "wood, water, wildlife and recreation." Tree Farmers produce many products that benefit society, and wood production is only one area of sustainable forestry.

Are there certain operations that I must do on my forestland?
No. Professional foresters assist private landowners in meeting forest management and economic objectives. Tree Farmers manage their property based on their own goals and principles. Foresters make recommendations and present options, but private landowners make decisions about how to manage their land.

If I am a certified Tree Farmer, will timber buyers recognize this distinction?
Yes. ATFS is recognized as a source of timber which has been sustainably produced, which is a very important to some timber buyers. ATFS is working on providing real time verification of Tree Farm membership status to assist members.

How do I get a Tree Farm Sign?
To get a Tree Farm diamond sign, your property must be a certified Tree Farm. Signs are only available through state committees. If your property is decertified for any reason, all signs must be returned at that time.

What happens if I fail to meet the standards on my re-inspection?
ATFS members who fail to meet the certification requirements during their re-inspection may be decertified if they do not remedy the situation. The de-certification process is initiated by the inspecting foresters and is carried out through the state committees. All landowners will be informed if their property is in danger of being decertified and will have an opportunity to participate in the process.