Tree Selection

Many communities specify native and/or non-invasive trees  for public projects, and create incentives or education programs to encourage private owners to do the same. 

The goal? To promote biodiversity, support local ecosystems, maintain habitats

Know geography

A tree may grow in Brooklyn — but not any tree.

A street scene in Brooklyn, New York. There are five brown-stone row homes in a row facing the street. A large street tree with grey and white bark and green leaves sits in front of the homes next to a hydrant and parked cars.
Courtesy Beyond My Ken, Wikimedia Commons

And trees in Bozeman wouldn’t thrive in Brooklyn.

A three story art-deco building called the Gallatin County Courthouse in Bozeman, Montana. This building has a stone exterior with art deco black metal windows and black metal arrow decorations below each window and floor. The entrance is framed with large Spruce a variety of other trees and shrubs. There is a staircase leading to the entrance that connects to a sidewalk and the road.
Wikimedia Commons

Common practices

Many other communities specify native and/or non-invasive trees  for public projects, and create incentives or education programs to encourage private owners to do the same. 

The goal? To promote biodiversity, support local ecosystems, maintain habitats

State rules

Your state forestry agency staff includes an urban forestry coordinator who can direct you to lists of trees recommended for your state. For local requirements, contact your municipal urban forester or arborist.

State Urban Forestry Coordinators

Many communities adopt policies that favor planting of native trees and/or removal of invasives. Lists of natives can be broader (regional and state) or hyperlocal – indigenous to the town, county or local ecotype.

Native species in Westchester County NY
Native species in Westchester County, NY -- a commuter suburb of New York City.
Westchester County's approach to native tree conservation

The City of Alexandria VA details preferred and prohibited species in a comprehensive landscape guide. 

A couple walking through entrance gates surrounded by trees in Alexandria, Virginia's historic district. They are walking towards the entrance to a historic white building.
Courtesy of Visit Alexandria
Alexandria's landscape manual 

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.