In various example embodiments, a system and method for optimizing management of a multicast tree are disclosed. The system receives first multicast group member information, from over a network and via a first packet forwarding system, at a controller server that provides for control of a network comprised of a first virtual local area network including a first packet forwarding system, the first multicast group member information being received by the first packet forwarding system and describing a first end-host computer as joining a first multicast group on the first virtual local area network. The system generates a multicast tree, at the controller server, and communicates a network configuration message to at least one packet forwarding system of a first plurality of packet forwarding systems to enable communication of the multicast traffic for the first multicast group over a portion of the multicast tree.