Conversation Starters

Man bumping elbows during community walkaround.

Learning what matters

Doorstep and Small Groups

Do some neighborhoods in our town have more trees than we do?

What do you think caused your neighborhood to have fewer trees than other residential neighborhoods?

Are your children in our neighborhoods mostly playing on pavement or asphalt playgrounds?

Do you agree that trees and green space make your neighborhood a better and healthier place to live?

Are you worried about the effects of extreme heat on people walking, working and playing in the neighborhood?

On your street do some residents believe trees are a nuisance and can be dangerous?

Even if planting more trees may create more work for residents, would you favor doing it?

Some people might say there are too many trees already in the neighborhood. Do you agree?

Area(s) where you’d like to walk, bike, jog, etc. if it had more shade structure along the pathway.

Area(s) where you’d rather walk, bike, etc. to get to your destination (work, worship, favorite coffee shop, lunch spot, fitness) because parking is scarce.

Area(s) of businesses you frequent that could benefit from more shade to invite more customers.

Area(s) near schools so the little ones are protected from the heat when they walk, bike, or ride their scooter to school.

Related Resources

Vibrant Cities Lab has a new look, new resources and new ways to get involved in greening your city. We’re introducing several new digital resources including a Cool Corridors Guide, Urban Forestry Roadmap and Forest Health information that will help urban foresters and related professionals build thriving programs for their communities. 

On December 31, 2025, old.vibrantcitieslab.com (note the new URL) will close. Make sure you download any resources or action guides you don’t want to miss.

Get involved with us by sending your feedback on the new website or sharing your best urban forestry success stories with us at info@vibrantcitieslab.org.