Our urban forests provide a wealth of resources, from improving human health and environmental conditions to increasing habitat for birds and other animals, and they add beauty to our neighborhoods. Our city trees are green infrastructure; they reduce pollution, save energy, provide shade, and reduce storm water runoff. Proper planting and maintenance of trees is essential to receiving the maximum benefit of a healthy urban canopy. Mature, healthy trees provide the most benefits, so it’s important to protect our urban forests! 

Tree Equity refers to the distribution of urban tree canopy among our neighborhoods. The Tree Equity Score shows the disparity in shade cover between higher and lower-income neighborhoods across the state. We can all take responsibility for maintaining healthy urban forests! Ensuring everyone has access to the benefits of urban forest, regardlessof their income status, is critical to our community's health and well-being. 

Below are some resources our Urban and Community Forestry Team recommends for ensuring a healthy urban forest.