Urban Ashes

Urban Ashes is an Ann Arbor-based social enterprise and environmental consulting firm focused on the sustainable utilization of urban wood waste. The company transforms fallen and removed urban trees—often destined for landfills—into high-value products such as lumber, furniture, and picture frames. Central to its operations is the Circular UrbanWood Triconomy (CUT) Model, a proprietary framework that promotes a circular economy by integrating environmental carbon sequestration, social equity through the employment of formerly incarcerated individuals, and local economic development. Urban Ashes provides consulting services to municipalities and organizations to implement scalable wood recycling systems and nature-based climate solutions. The company's mission is built on the triple bottom line of people, planet, and profit, aiming to turn environmental waste into community assets.