A lot of tree planting happens in yards and traditional planting strips at single family residences. That’s a good thing, but to meet the city-wide goal of at least 33% canopy cover and to make the benefits of trees available to all Portlanders, it won’t be enough. The Tree Program works hard to build new partnerships that get trees planted where they meet multiple needs. The program has put together planting projects in industrial and commercial districts and along transportation corridors where air quality improvement, shading, and noise buffering are critical additional benefits. We offer free trees to under-served neighborhoods and for school planting events, creating awareness around city services and providing educational opportunities. We also use geographic information systems to target tree planting projects for planting areas with special potential for native and evergreen trees.