The successful community tree planting program demonstrates how strategic urban forestry can combat climate change.
A nationwide community tree planting program has reached 95% of American neighborhoods in the past two years, bringing shade, cleaner air, and natural beauty to communities while increasing property values and helping cities adapt to climate change.
The Arbor Day Foundation, a nonprofit organization dedicated to planting trees, has distributed and planted trees in more than 76,000 neighborhoods through various programs since 2022. These efforts include community planting events, tree nursery sales, and direct shipments to the organization’s million-plus members.
Economic Benefits for Homeowners
Recent studies show that mature trees can increase property values by 7-19%. A well-planned community tree planting program can save homeowners hundreds of dollars annually in energy costs through natural cooling and wind protection.
Homes with mature trees typically sell for 3-7% more than comparable properties without trees. The U.S. Forest Service estimates that trees near homes reduce air conditioning needs by 30% and heating needs by 20-50%.
Making Communities Greener, One Tree at a Time
The Foundation’s community tree planting program has targeted areas that need trees the most. Of the roughly 80,000 neighborhoods in the United States, about 23,500 were identified as having the greatest need for trees based on factors like existing tree coverage and environmental conditions.
Dan Lambe, chief executive of the Arbor Day Foundation, sees this achievement as a stepping stone rather than a finish line. “We’ve spent more than 50 years building this network,” says Lambe. “But we need to focus more on underserved neighborhoods that still lack adequate tree coverage.”
Health Benefits of Urban Trees
Trees do more than make neighborhoods look better. Research shows they provide multiple benefits to community health:
The shade from trees helps prevent heat-related illnesses in neighborhoods with few natural cooling spaces. Trees filter air pollution, which can reduce breathing problems for residents. Having trees nearby improves mental health and overall well-being.
Climate Resilience Through Strategic Planting
The community tree planting program helps cities prepare for climate change. Strategic tree placement reduces urban heat islands, manages stormwater runoff, and provides natural cooling. Cities with robust tree canopies are better equipped to handle extreme weather events.
Local governments report that areas with established community tree planting programs experience:
- 10-15% reduction in stormwater runoff
- 2-4°F decrease in summer temperatures
- 20-30% improvement in air quality
- Enhanced wildlife habitat and biodiversity
Looking Ahead: Half a Billion Trees
The Foundation isn’t stopping at neighborhood plantings. They’ve set an ambitious goal to help plant 500 million trees by June 2027. To achieve this, they’re carefully tracking where trees are needed most to ensure their efforts have the greatest impact.
This tracking system helps the organization identify neighborhoods that lack tree coverage and direct resources to these areas first. The Foundation works with local partners, corporate supporters, and individual members to carry out these plantings.
The organization’s approach combines individual action with community-wide efforts. While some trees are planted in private yards by homeowners, others are placed in public spaces through organized planting events.
See also: Arbor Day Foundation Funds 18 Community Urban Forest Projects.
How to Get Involved
The Arbor Day Foundation offers several ways to participate in their community tree planting program:
- Becoming a member
- Purchasing trees from their nursery
- Joining local planting events
- Supporting their work through donations
The Foundation, established as a 501(c)(3) nonprofit, has planted more than half a billion trees with partners during its 50-year history.
