(post edited on May 25, 2016 for factual correction)

Since 2008, Environmental Services’ Tree Program has planted over 40,000 new trees along the streets, in yards and other Portland neighborhood spots. From the start, efforts have focused on outreach to plant street trees in low-canopy, low-income neighborhoods, which are also some of Portland’s more racially diverse communities.

The effort to plant trees in underserved neighborhoods is often impeded by lack of planting strips and by unimproved frontages – streets without sidewalks or sometimes without curbs.

Even with these and other challenges, outreach and partnership efforts gained steam. 87% of the trees planted in 2013-15 were in low-canopy, low-income communities and communities of color. 

The increased tree canopy cover where it is most needed helps provide all residents with long-term benefits such as improved air quality and stormwater management, lower summer temperatures, and better health outcomes.

Thanks to all of our partners working to add trees to the city for cleaner rivers and livable, sustainable communities.