How Data Helps Shape America’s Tree-Planting Future​

In 2025, our findings show Americans overwhelmingly value trees – not just for beauty, but as essential infrastructure for healthier, more resilient communities. The Arbor Day Foundation’s latest Canopy Report reveals how perceptions are evolving around urban forestry and what it means for tree equity, climate resilience, and community action. 

This session focuses on how data and real-world projects are shaping strategies to expand tree canopy and inspire collective action. 

This Webinar Explores 

• Trees as Critical Infrastructure – 95% of Americans value trees and 89% see them as a public health tool. Mature trees boost property values and reduce energy costs. 

• Climate Resilience & Recovery – 61% of Americans experienced a natural disaster in the past year and are noticing the impact it’s having on their community’s tree canopy. Trees play a vital role in rebuilding and mitigating future risks. 

• Barriers to tree planting present opportunities – less than 20% of Americans planted a tree last year, but 85% of non-planters identified factors that would encourage participation in community tree planting. 

• Equity & Access – 91% believe cities should be built with trees and green spaces in mind, yet more than half of Americans must drive to reach their nearest forest or green space. Tree planting can be better targeted to help everyone access the health benefits of trees. 

• The Unifying Power of Trees – Trees bring communities together. Eighty six percent believe now is a critical time to replant forests, with broad support across age, political leaning, race, and region. 

   

Arbor Day Foundation projects that support this research include: 

• In Cape Coral, FL, voters approved a $60M investment in parks and tree planting. The Arbor Day Foundation partnered to plant trees to improve stormwater runoff, water quality, and community well-being. 

• In the wake of hurricanes Helene and Milton, the Arbor Day Foundation collaborated with urban forestry partners in Asheville, NC on seven canopy recovery projects to help the community heal. 

• In the city of Los Lunas, NM, the Arbor Day Foundation planted 50 trees along the Rio Grande to create shade for safe recreation, relief from extreme heat, and ecosystem support. 

• Through Detroit’s TreeKeeper Kids program, the Arbor Day Foundation helped young tree planters learn the benefits of community trees, plant 949 tress across 40 schools, and distribute 2,000 more to nearby neighborhoods with historically low tree canopy coverage. 

• Neighborhood Planting Captains in Nashville, TN help to drive tree equity by empowering community members to educate their neighbors about trees and encourage sign ups for community plantings. 

• In politically and racially diverse areas of Alabama, Arbor Day Foundation tree distributions helped bring people from all walks of life together to strengthen their communities. 

Whether you’re advocating for tree equity, planning climate-resilient communities, or inspiring the next generation, this session offers data-driven insights that place trees at the center of healthier, more connected neighborhoods.