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How we can bring trees back into our neighborhoods and keep them alive.
A tree-lined street — one with sidewalks patterned by the shadows of dappled sunlight, shaded by a canopy of outstretched branches alive with buzzes, skitters, and tweets, home to animals heard before they’re seen — is a sign of wealth. Often of literal wealth; studies have shown that affluent neighborhoods have disproportionate access to green space and tree cover compared to underresourced redlined neighborhoods. What’s more, the presence of trees actually increases property values. But it can also be a sign of a rich community working to bring nature back to their neighborhood, and it is certainly a sign of a rich urban ecosystem.
Urban and suburban tree cover in the United States has been on the decline, despite all of the benefits of living with trees: cleaner air, cooler temperatures, more wildlife habitat, increased biodiversity, better wellbeing … the list goes on. According to a 2021 American Forests study, we need to plant 31.4 million trees a year to mitigate the effects of climate change. So where do we start? And how do we take care of the trees we have now?
Right Trees, Right Place
Before you get down in the dirt, do a bit of research to give your planting project the best chance of success.
First, find out where a tree will make the biggest impact near you. Tree Equity Score’s National Explorer tool rates how well an area provides equitable tree cover using data on canopy cover, climate, demographic, and socioeconomic status. You can get scores for entire states, specific congressional districts, or individual census block groups. Simply type in a zip code and zoom in or out on the map. The lower the score, the higher priority for tree planting.
The tool also provides a detailed and dynamic report showing how increased tree cover would improve carbon sequestration, stormwater runoff, and air pollution in a given area. Use the report to build a compelling case for city officials to prioritize planting trees in the areas that need it most and to convince others to plant on their own property.
Next, determine what kind of tree would work best for your area. Do you want flowering, fruiting, or shade trees? What kind of soil are you working with? How much sun exposure will it get? Answer a few simple questions and get matched with the right tree using the Arbor Day Foundation’s Tree Wizard.
If you’re stuck with decision overwhelm, the editors of Gardenista: The Low-Impact Garden remind us that planting a keystone tree is always a good idea: “Trees communicate with each other and with organisms above- and below-ground. Instead of planting the occasional pretty tree, plant keystone trees that benefit as many animals as possible. … Species of Quercus (oak) around the world are vital for supporting moths and butterflies. Across the United States, more than 940 types of caterpillars feed on oaks.” Get more of their best gardening advice here.
Consider companion planting if you decide to grow a fruit tree. By planting carefully chosen species around it — suppressors, attractors, repellers, mulchers, accumulators, and fixers — you can create a guild that eliminates the need for fertilizers, fungicides, and chemical sprays, says garden educator Roxanne Kapitan.
If you’re attempting to plant from seed, Dot answers all of your questions about preparing, planting, and transporting with help from a regenerative tree farmer. Or visit your local nursery to buy a sapling and ask a local expert for their tips.
Caring for Community Trees
Ever wondered who keeps neighborhood trees alive? So did a reader from Brooklyn, who wrote to Dot to get answers after he saw a mysterious shear-wielding citizen snipping branches from his favorite tree. As it turns out, New York offers a citizen pruner course to grant licenses to maintain neighborhood trees. But even if you’re not in the Big Apple, you can make sure trees are cared for in other ways.
No licensing is needed to water city trees, so no matter where you live, you can (and should!) water them — all trees, but young ones in particular. Consider collecting rainwater or water from your shower as you wait for it to heat up to give to the trees. You can also deem yourself a “Tree Trash Monitor” without any special certifications. All you need are some gloves and a trash bag, and you can pick up any litter that has found its way into tree beds.
When looking for a place to chain up your bike (good on you for biking), choose a bike rack, a light pole — anything besides a tree. The chain can damage its trunk. And steer your pooch away from tree beds on walks, because their urine damages the soil.
Most of all, spread the word. Tell your friends, family, and neighbors what they can do to protect our trees. With enough support, you can nurture your neighborhood back to life, one tree at a time.
