The American Tree Farm System is a nationwide program to encourage private forest owners to do an effective job of growing trees as a crop.   The Tree Farm System was launched in 1941 by the nation's wood using industries.   Forest product industries have continued as major sponsors of the system ever since.  Currently, the American Tree Farm System is sponsored by the American Forest Foundation (AFF).

New Jersey joined the American Tree Farm System in 1946.  In 1996, the New Jersey Tree Farm Program celebrated its 50th anniversary.  In 2008, there are 288 Certified Tree Farms and 34 Pioneer Tree Farms, encompassing about 55,181 and 1226 acres, respectively.  The American Tree Farm System operates locally in New Jersey through state Tree Farm committees and co-sponsorship agreements with the New Jersey Forest Service (NJFS) and the New Jersey Forestry Association (NJFA). Professional foresters - from industry, government, and consulting firms, along with tree farmers volunteer their time. The committee operates through the cosponsors, consultant foresters, and tree farmers. State Tree farm committees make arrangements for foresters to inspect and certify Tree Farms.

There are four categories of Tree Farms, Certified, Pioneer, Backyard, and Windbreak. In New Jersey to be certified as tree farmers, landowners must have at least 10 acres and a written tree farm plan approved jointly by the Tree Farm owner and a qualified forester*. The Backyard and Windbreak tree farmer programs presently are not offered by the NJ Tree Farm Committee. A key concept with all categories is to show intent to manage and maintain plots of healthy trees and an interest in learning about the methods used to maintain healthy and productive forests. Backyard and Windbreak Tree Farms have goals of aesthetics, wildlife, soil and water protection. Certified and Pioneer Tree Farms include these goals and producing trees for crops. Backyard Tree Farms have to be less than 10 acres and Windbreak Tree Farms should be at least one acre. All tree farmers must participate in a re-inspection process every five years to update their records and determine whether their properties still qualify for certification. Certified and Backyard tree farmers receive a certificate and a sign. All tree farmers are invited to conferences, field days, study tours, and seminars on forest-related topics. Certified tree farmers receive regular mailings of the Tree Farmer Magazine. The magazine is free for the first issue with an annual fee thereafter.

*A qualified forester is defined as a graduate forester or forestry technician with training and experience recognized by the state Tree Farm committee as competent to write or approve Tree Farm forest management recommendations or Tree Farm Plans.