Bridge the Urban Canopy Gap

American Forests pioneered the concept of Tree Equity and sparked a national movement aimed at ensuring all residents enjoy the full benefits of trees and green space in the places they live. Along with resources like these, you may also want to check out the Tree Equity Handbook for practical guidance and tools you can use to achieve your own urban forest and tree equity goals.

Title page and montage of the Tree Equity Handbook. The title page contains photos of two people carrying a container tree, a family with people of different races and ages planting a tree, and an environmental educator show two children one white and one black the leaves of a tree. The publication has the American Forests' American flag logo in light and dark green on the top left. It contains the title in dark blue "Tree Equity Handbook" on a grey background in the middle left. In the middle it has the subtitle in dark blue "A Practical Guide to Closing the Canopy Gap Between Neighborhoods" on top of a yellow background. On an orange background with white font notes that this handbook was "Issued in September 2024."
American Forests DIY Resource for implementing and supporting Tree Equity in your community.

Data-driven plans

Many communities already use American Forests Tree Equity Score to identify neighborhoods with the biggest disparities in tree canopy. Without adequate trees, the people who live there will remain more vulnerable to risks from climate change and extreme heat than residents of wealthier neighborhoods. Residents of lower income areas endure far heavier heat and health burdens than their wealthier neighbors. 

Click here for a tale of two cities and four neighborhoods

Tree Equity in action

The number of cities implementing tree equity strategies based on their Tree Equity Scores continues to grow. In many places, Seattle and Detroit, for example, the concept has already been embedded in comprehensive and urban forest plans.

Providence, RI’s Neighborhood Planting Program has also aggressively promoted tree planting in concert with local community leaders. As many as 500 new street trees are planted annually with residents agreeing to water the trees for two years after planting. According to an independent verifier, the strategy works.

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.