Make a Tree Equity Commitment

While equity might be the magnet that draws stakeholders together, each may envision a different pathway to achieving it. Some might prefer pursuing individual neighborhood-based planting projects. Others might suggest a campaign to rewrite urban forest plans and ordinances to better recognize the needs of under-canopied neighborhoods.

You can concentrate the impact of your coalition by addressing objectives shared by all or most of your allies and partners. A chorus of voices in harmony sounds more powerful and reaches further than soloists singing different tunes.

Different paths

Communities face different tree equity challenges. And most define success in ways that address their unique circumstances.

Some might prefer pursuing individual neighborhood-based planting projects. Others might suggest a campaign to rewrite urban forest plans and ordinances to better recognize the needs of under-canopied neighborhoods, and some might elect to create a community-wide public/private partnership to guide tree equity activities.

Focus on outcomes

But simply reporting the number of trees planted or neighborhoods served isn’t a measure of success. It’s tough for trees to survive in dense urban settings even after they’ve become established. That’s why tree equity initiatives should be aimed at tangible and measurable improvements in both long-term tree canopy and the quality of life in targeted neighborhoods.

Heat

Philadelphia designed their new tree plan in part to help reduce heat impacts on residents of low-canopy neighborhoods. Benchmarks were set during a volunteer-driven systematic measurement of ambient temperatures. Success will be determined by follow-up heat monitoring and resident perceptions of personal comfort.

Volunteer heat monitor
Inexpensive heat sensors can be mounted on cars and bicycles.
Hospital surrounded by views of trees -- shown to speed recovery and improve health.
Even just looking at trees can speed recovery for hospital patients. Photo: Peter Spiro, iStock.

Health

Trees remove pollution and can reduce the incidence of respiratory and cardiac disease. Along with longitudinal studies, many cities are now monitoring the impact of trees on physical and mental health, based on clinical data. The USDA Forest Service recently published a summary of health-related impacts of trees in urban areas.

One tool can track multiple indicators

Set benchmarks with your Tree Equity Score

American Forests’ Tree Equity Score allows you to measure both need and progress with a single, multidimensional tool. By relying on TES, you’ll have access to periodic updates of neighborhood tree canopy and demographics. And you’ll be able to set goals based on these data for individual neighborhoods, places where demographics and lack of tree canopy magnify impacts of climate change, or for your entire community.

  • Raise community wide TES by X percent, or X points
  • Increase tree canopy in targeted neighborhoods by X percent or to a range closer to parity with higher-income communities.
  • For all target neighborhoods, raise cumulative, average or individual TES by X percent or to a specified level (e.g. TES of 70).
TES Guide
TES Data Stories 

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.