Tree Canopy

Close-up of thin trunks of young trees in pots ready to be planted.

Forest Service Rescinds Tree Planting Grants

The $75 million program fell victim to the federal government’s purge of ‘DEI’-related projects.

March 5, 2025 - Fast Company

Lush Five Rivers Metropark in Dayton, Ohio with flowers and green trees on a sunny day.

A Plan to Expand Tree Canopy Across Dayton

Dayton is developing an urban forest master plan, using a $2 million grant to expand its tree canopy, address decades of tree loss, and enhance environmental equity across the city.

March 4, 2025 - Dayton Daily News

Charred trees on hillside in Altadena, California after Eaton Fire.

Preserving Altadena’s Trees: A Community Effort to Save a Fire-Damaged Landscape

In the wake of the Eaton Fire, Altadena Green is working to preserve fire-damaged but recoverable trees, advocating for better assessment processes, educating homeowners, and protecting the community’s urban canopy from unnecessary removal.

March 3, 2025 - LAist

View of Los Angeles skyline at sunrise with yellow and green trees in foreground

LA’s Trees Absorb More Carbon Than Expected, But Can’t Do It Alone

A USC study finds that Los Angeles’ urban trees absorb more carbon than expected, but while they provide crucial environmental benefits, they cannot replace the urgent need for systemic emissions reductions.

February 28, 2025 - Phys.org

Trees in bloom with pink flowers on a residential street in Seattle, Washington.

Opinion: Housing Versus Trees Is a False Choice; Swap Pavement for Trees Instead

Seattle’s goal to cover 30 percent of the city with tree canopy by 2037 doesn’t need to be sacrificed in favor of density. There’s a better way.

February 26, 2025 - The Urbanist

Small trees on city sidewlak with glass buildings in background.

Urban Forestry as a Pathway to Equity and Opportunity

Urban forestry job training programs are creating economic opportunities for underrepresented individuals while addressing workforce shortages and advancing tree equity in communities most impacted by environmental disparities.

February 17, 2025 - American Forests

Aerial view of Annapolis, Maryland.

Annapolis Unveils Interactive Map to Boost Urban Tree Canopy

Annapolis has launched an interactive Tree Canopy Map to engage residents in urban forestry efforts, highlighting tree coverage data and encouraging community involvement to achieve the city’s 50 percent canopy goal by 2050.

January 26, 2025 - Eye on Annapolis

View of St. Louis cathedral in New Orleans, Louisiana.

New Orleans Seeks Consultants for $8M Tree Planting Initiative

The city seeks consultancy firms to help implement an $8 million USDA Urban and Community Forestry Grant, advancing its goal of planting 40,000 trees by 2030 and strengthening urban sustainability and resilience.

December 30, 2024 - Biz New Orleans

Small trees on city sidewlak with glass buildings in background.

Cities Prioritize Urban Reforestation to Combat Heat and Revitalize Communities

Cities like Phoenix, Chicago, and Boise are prioritizing urban reforestation as critical green infrastructure to combat extreme heat, address environmental inequities, and foster community revitalization.

December 20, 2024 - USGBC

Tall mature green trees lining a concrete walkway next to a street with multistory apartment buildings on other side and sun filtering through the leaves.

Mapping a Greener Future: Cal Poly Tackles Urban Canopy Challenges

Cal Poly, in partnership with Cal Fire, is leading the development of California’s new Strategic Plan for Urban Forestry, combining advanced data tools and interdisciplinary collaboration to expand tree canopy cover.

December 9, 2024 - Cal Poly News

City park with paved walkway, green trees, and people sitting on lawn.

Global Report Shows Urban Forests Failing to Meet Vital Standards

The study reveals significant gaps in urban forestry, emphasizing the urgent need for reforms, innovative planting solutions, and expanded tree canopy to combat climate change and improve urban health.

December 9, 2024 - The Conversation

Paved walkway with a few people in lush green city park with large trees and benches.

Quantifying How Urban Trees Cool Cities

A new tool can help cities understand the benefits of tree planting efforts at the municipal scale.

November 7, 2024 - Phys.org

Two people walking under large trees in Griffith Park, Los Angeles, California.

Branching Out: Building Health and Equity Through Community Forestry

Los Angeles County’s Community Forest Management Plan seeks to create a healthier, more equitable community forest by expanding tree coverage, engaging communities, and building resilience to climate impacts.

November 1, 2024 - National Recreation and Park Association Open Space Blog

Large trees on street in Las Vegas at night.

Urban Trees Have Bigger Impact in Hot, Dry Cities

The cooling effect of robust urban tree canopies is more pronounced in hotter, drier cities like Phoenix and Las Vegas.

October 22, 2024 - U.S. Geological Survey

Mature jacaranda trees full of purple blooms on street in Los Angeles, California.

Addressing Tree Canopy Disparity in South Los Angeles

A new study highlights the complex challenge of addressing tree canopy disparities in South L.A., where historical environmental injustices, budget constraints, and competing community priorities hinder efforts to increase equitable tree coverage.

October 21, 2024 - Los Angeles Times

Trees in a schoolyard.

Green Schoolyards Offer Respite From Urban Heat

More schools are transforming asphalt-covered playgrounds into shady oases that help reduce temperatures and absorb emissions.

September 18, 2024 - La Voce di New York

City park with paved walkway, green trees, and people sitting on lawn.

New Study Shows How Urban Trees Improve Public Health

Louisville's Green Heart project demonstrates that strategically planting trees in underserved neighborhoods can significantly reduce inflammation levels, highlighting the health benefits of urban greenery through a novel, data-driven approach.

September 16, 2024 - Bloomberg

Pioneer Square, Seattle

Symposium Highlights the Crucial Role of Trees in Combatting Extreme Heat

Experts emphasize that planting and maintaining trees in urban areas is essential for reducing extreme heat, cooling cities, and preventing heat-related illnesses, especially as heatwaves become more frequent and severe.

September 9, 2024 - ABC 7 Eyewitness News

Aerial view of Tacoma, Washington residential neighborhood with mature trees.

Tacoma Program Offers Free Street Trees

The Green Blocks program targets neighborhoods with the highest need for additional tree canopy.

September 4, 2024 - The Urbanist

Worker trims tall palm tree.

Planning for the End-of-Life of Urban Trees

Many of California’s 6 million urban trees are reaching the end of their lives. Arborists in Long Beach are turning them into useful lumber.

August 21, 2024 - Governing

Urban Design for Planners 1: Software Tools

This six-course series explores essential urban design concepts using open source software and equips planners with the tools they need to participate fully in the urban design process.

Planning for Universal Design

Learn the tools for implementing Universal Design in planning regulations.

Top Books

An annual review of books related to planning.

Top Schools

The definitive ranking of graduate planning programs.

100 Most Influential Urbanists

The who's who of urbanism, according to Planetizen readers.

Urban Planning Creators You Should Know

A short list of voices on social, video, and podcasting platforms.