Support Global Reforestation! Plant trees where they’re needed most: Plant trees
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We make it simple for anyone to plant trees, and together we can make an incredible impact. Learn more
Stay up to date on major announcements, exciting collaborations, and more.Visit our Newsroom
We make it simple for anyone to plant trees, and together we can make an incredible impact. Learn more
Become a business partner to improve your company’s sustainability initiatives and make an impact. Learn more
See how your support and leadership can help us fund reforestation efforts across the globe. Learn more
Become a business partner to improve your company’s sustainability initiatives and make an impact. Learn more
See how your support and leadership can help us fund reforestation efforts across the globe. Learn more
Read about stories from the field, interesting facts about trees and get your healthy dose of nature. Visit our blog
Comprised of lesson plans, learning modules, resources, and activities, our T.R.E.E.S. School Program is the perfect addition to your curriculum. Learn more
Read about stories from the field, interesting facts about trees and get your healthy dose of nature. Visit our blog
Comprised of lesson plans, learning modules, resources, and activities, our T.R.E.E.S. School Program is the perfect addition to your curriculum. Learn more
Our fan-favorite Reforestation T-Shirt. Wear it with pride to show your support of reforesting our planet, one tree at a time. Shop now
Give the gift that lasts a lifetime! Choose an image, write your personalized message and select a delivery date to gift a tree. Gift a tree
Our fan-favorite Reforestation T-Shirt. Wear it with pride to show your support of reforesting our planet, one tree at a time. Shop now
Give the gift that lasts a lifetime! Choose an image, write your personalized message and select a delivery date to gift a tree. Gift a tree
Urban trees are the trees we live with - from individual street trees and urban greenspaces, to shady school groves and downtown orchards. The establishment of thriving urban forests makes our cities healthier places to live, work, and play.
From improved mental and physical health to increased academic performance, here are 8 reasons why we should plant trees in urban areas.
Studies have proven that people exercise more and feel better around trees. Access to green spaces alleviates stress, stabilizes blood pressure, eases anxiety and depression, and encourages an active lifestyle. Investment in urban forestry is an investment in community health!
Daytime temperatures in urban areas are found to be 1–7°F higher than temperatures in outlying areas. This phenomenon is known as the Urban Heat Island effect. Urban canopies help combat this heat:shade from a healthy, mature tree has been found to lower surface air temperatures by up to 20–45°F. For some, this vital shade resource is a determining factor in their experience of heat exhaustion, hospitalization, or even death.
Trees act like giant umbrellas. As rain falls, trees intercept the water, some of which is caught by leaves, where it evaporates, and some of which reaches the ground at a slower rate — and infiltrates the soil rather than reaching impervious surfaces. This allows time for the tree, its roots, and the soil to filter out pollutants such as gas & oil, heavy metals, pesticides, and other chemicals before reaching drainage systems. Not only that, but the infiltration of water into the soil recharges our groundwater stores.
Green environments, like trees, are related to reduced symptoms of ADD and ADHD — and studies have shown that children with views of trees are more likely to succeed in school. By planting trees at schools, supporting local youth tree planting programs, and encouraging the participation of youth communities in planting projects, urban forestry projects can encourage environmental awareness and helps foster the next generation of tree-loving stewards!
Urban environments across the globe host thousands of species of flora and fauna. More than 20% of the world's avian biodiversity resides in cities and their trees! Tree canopies and green spaces within these environments help provide habitat and are a critical element of thriving, biodiverse urban ecosystems. Urban forestry projects can support these natural systems by creating green corridors for wildlife, cultivating habitat for local species, and installing diverse tree species to help establish a more resilient urban environment.
Urban canopies are the key to cleaner air in cities, where atmospheric pollution is highest. They serve as a living air filter, capable of:
More heavily forested communities in urban environments exhibit lower rates of asthma, fewer emissions resulting from decreased need for air conditioning, and reduced rates of air pollutant-related deaths, annually.
In many cities, urban forest patches and green spaces provide recreational opportunities that may otherwise not be available for local communities. From restoring hiking trails in natural areas, to shading residential streets and school yards; from cultivating bountiful fruit tree orchards, to growing Miyawaki forests, our urban forestry projects help provide a variety of recreational opportunities for folks of all ages and abilities.
Urban Forestry projects that are designed to promote tree equity can help towns and cities move towards a more balanced tree canopy. In turn, historically marginalized communities can realize the benefits of a richer and more dense urban forest, including cooler and cleaner air, lower stress levels, and improved adaptation to the effects of climate change.
In the context of a rapidly changing climate, planting trees in cities is an essential strategy to protect urban populations and combat climate change. Looking for a way to make an impact today? Consider planting trees through our Urban Forestry Action Fund!
16/05/2024 by Meaghan Weeden
14/05/2024 by Meaghan Weeden
09/05/2024 by One Tree Planted
15/02/2024 by Meaghan Weeden
23/01/2024 by Meaghan Weeden
16/01/2024 by Meaghan Weeden