New National Tree Canopy Assessment Tool Now Live

The interactive tool reveals the status of tree canopies in U.S. cities

LINCOLN, Neb.--(BUSINESS WIRE)--A national tree canopy assessment tool is now available for the first time, making it possible for cities to view the status of their local and regional tree canopy and how it’s changed over time.

“As our nation’s cities endure the pressures of excessive heat, extreme storms and air pollution, we need to meet the moment with trees and action. The national tree canopy assessment tool will empower community leaders with the data and insights needed to plant and protect trees where they’re needed most,” said Dan Lambe, chief executive officer of the Arbor Day Foundation. “We can all play a role in shaping a better future and this tool will help guide that work, maximizing the positive impact community trees can have.”

The national tree canopy assessment will help community leaders to assess tree loss and prioritize tree planting projects in areas of need, utilizing high-resolution aerial imagery. Users can view land cover statistics, development patterns, and individual tree canopies, all summarized down to the census block group.

This interactive resource is available at TreesAtWork.org. More resources, data and information will be added to the website in 2025, including a downloadable National Baseline Canopy Assessment Report detailing the state of tree canopy in urban areas across the country and in-depth reporting on the impact of strategic investments in trees in cities nationwide.

TreesAtWork.org was developed through a collaboration between the Arbor Day Foundation, PlanIT Geo, and the USDA Forest Service Urban and Community Forestry program.

The Arbor Day Foundation is a global nonprofit dedicated to planting trees. It has helped plant over 500 million trees in communities and forests in more than 60 countries across six continents since its inception in 1972. Its work is guided by science and technology to find communities and forests that need trees the most, then connects support in those areas with its unmatched network of local tree planting partners with local knowledge and expertise to plant the right trees the right way.

Visit arborday.org to learn more about the Arbor Day Foundation’s impact in communities and forests.

About the Arbor Day Foundation

The Arbor Day Foundation is a global nonprofit inspiring people to plant, nurture, and celebrate trees. They foster a growing community of more than 1 million leaders, innovators, planters, and supporters united by their bold belief that a more hopeful future can be shaped through the power of trees. For more than 50 years, they’ve answered critical need with action, planting more than half a billion trees alongside their partners. And this is only the beginning.

The Arbor Day Foundation is a 501(c)(3) nonprofit pursuing a future where all life flourishes through the power of trees. Learn more at arborday.org.