Tacoma Canopy Cover & Community Forestry
A city’s canopy cover—the layer of leaves and branches of trees that cover the ground when viewed from above—plays a vital role in creating a sustainable and livable community. Tacoma’s Urban Forestry program is dedicated to fostering connections between people, trees, and the natural world while working to build a greener, healthier community for all. Community forestry involves the strategic care, planting, and preservation of trees to support environmental, social, and economic health. Together, we can expand access to the benefits trees provide and ensure their positive impact is shared equitably across our city.
Benefits of Trees
Research highlights that those living closest to trees experience the greatest benefits, from improved quality of life to healthier neighborhoods. Trees provide critical benefits by improving air quality, reducing urban heat, managing stormwater, and enhancing biodiversity. They also boost property values, offer shade for energy savings, and create spaces that improve mental well-being and foster community connections. Trees are an investment in a healthier, greener, and more resilient city for future generations.
Did you know?
- Cleaner Air: Trees filter pollutants, improving the air we breathe.
- Cooler Summers: They provide shade and lower temperatures in hot weather.
- Safer Communities: Studies show that neighborhoods with trees feel more welcoming and safer.
Tacoma’s Tree Canopy
Tacoma’s tree canopy is a vital resource, providing environmental, social, and health benefits across the city. However, tree canopy distribution varies significantly, with some neighborhoods having as little as 3% cover while others have up to 64%, highlighting inequities in access to these benefits. This webpage provides a snapshot of Tacoma’s tree canopy coverage, challenges, and opportunities for growth.
Key Findings on Tacoma’s Tree Canopy
- Current Canopy Cover: 20% of Tacoma’s land area is covered by tree canopy.
- Lowest in Puget Sound: Tacoma has the least amount of tree canopy as a percentage of land cover for all communities assessed in the Puget Sound Region.
- Unequal Coverage: According to Tacoma’s Equity Index, low-opportunity census blocks have the least tree canopy, amplifying environmental, economic, social, and health inequities.
- Canopy Height: 36% of Tacoma’s tree canopy is less than 25 feet tall, while only 8% exceeds 100 feet, showing an opportunity to encourage taller, more mature trees for long-term benefits.
- Possible Planting Areas (PPAs): Possible planting areas make up 16% of Tacoma’s total land area.
- Single-Family Residential areas account for 57% of Tacoma’s PPA, with several of our tree incentive programs focusing on serving these areas.
- Parks and Open Space also have significant PPA at 16%, however, planting suitability depends on factors like recreational use, accessibility, and existing features to ensure trees enhance these spaces.
- Heavy Industrial areas provide 6% of Tacoma’s PPA, focusing on expanding tree canopy can help cool large impervious surfaces, reduce stormwater runoff, and improve air quality, addressing urban heat and pollution while benefiting nearby communities.
Reports and Fact Sheets
How You Can Help
Everyone can play a role in growing Tacoma’s urban forest. Get involved by:
- Participating in tree-planting incentive programs.
- Learning how to care for trees in your yard or neighborhood.
- Sparking conversations with family and neighbors about the value of trees.
- Nominate your tree as a Heritage Tree.
Every tree planted and every effort made contributes to a brighter, healthier future for Tacoma. Join us in cultivating a community where trees thrive, and everyone benefits!
Get involved