Tree Equity

As Seattle continues to grow and the impacts of climate change increase, our urban forest plays a critical role in protecting us from extreme heat, improving the quality of our air and water, providing natural stormwater management and soil protection, and attracting people to local business districts and community spaces. The urban forest is especially important in communities experiencing the greatest impacts from extreme heat and storm-driven flooding. 

Seattle, like many cities, also has inequities in tree canopy.  Neighborhoods harmed by racial, economic, and environmental injustice tend to have fewer trees and less access to the benefits urban forests provide.  

Achieving tree equity means closing current gaps in canopy cover while maintaining existing urban forest in neighborhoods that need it most. Tree Equity also means partnering with communities to create livable, safe, and healthy neighborhoods and supporting the funding and capacity to sustain tree canopy now and in the future.