Equitable Community Tree Planting Initiative

A group of people standing in a back yard getting ready to plant trees
A man carries a potted tree to be planted
A couple stands next to their new tree
A group of people cheers next to a freshly planted tree
A woman stands with a group of trees waiting to be planted

Over the next three years, Denver is planting over 2,100 trees on residential properties. This initiative plants trees in heat-vulnerable neighborhoods. These neighborhoods have significantly less tree cover and shade than other neighborhoods. Being unable to cool yourself down on a hot day is not only uncomfortable, but it can also be deadly. The majority of tree planting space in Denver is on private property, making it a great opportunity to add shade to our communities. 

As of July 2024, we’ve planted

1374

trees, out of a goal to plant over 2,100 trees by 2025!

Frequently Asked Questions

Where are trees being planted?

This initiative is focused on heat vulnerable neighborhoods that have significantly less urban canopy than other neighborhoods. These priority areas map to the "inverted L" in Denver, which shows us neighborhoods in the city that have been historically under-resourced and under-served.

a map of Denver shading neighborhoods by heat vulnerability. Neighborhoods along the north and west sides are darker red (more heat vulnerable), while neighborhoods in the central, south, and east parts of the city are lighter in color.

Americas for Conservation and the Arts are planting in the following neighborhoods: 

  • Globeville 
  • Elyria Swansea
  • Chaffee Park/Highlands
  • Sunny Side

The Park People are planting in the following neighborhoods: 

  • West Colfax 
  • Villa Park 
  • Barnum 
  • Valverde  

Why plant trees?

Trees improve our quality of life. They can: 

  • Cool surface temperatures to protect people's health
  • Save on cooling costs in the summer as they shade nearby buildings
  • Save on heating costs in the winter as they block freezing winds
  • Improve water quality
  • Encourage community gathering
  • Create habitat for urban wildlife
  • Support our emotional health
  • Improve air quality
  • Filter and slow stormwater events
  • Sequester carbon

How are you making this happen?

Denver’s Office of Climate Action, Sustainability and Resiliency awarded nearly a million dollars to plant trees, develop close community relationships, and care for new trees. We are working with three community organizations to make this happen:

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