Urban Tree Canopy Project

To help increase the urban forest in the District, we introduced the Urban Tree Canopy Project for residential property owners.

A more diverse and healthy urban tree canopy will help us take action against climate change and increase biodiversity and wildlife habitat.   

Want to learn more about the Urban Tree Canopy Project? Email us at iwantatree@dnv.org

About the program

The District invited residential property owners to participate in the inaugural Urban Tree Canopy program in 2021. 

In 2022, we expanded the program so those living in apartments or condos could receive a plant or shrub for their balcony. This year’s program offered a variety of tree and shrub species: cedar, fir, dogwood, shore pine, big leaf maple, willow, Nootka rose, woolly sunflower, tall Oregon grape, and Douglas aster.

To date, District residents have received 689 trees and shrubs to plant and help grow our tree canopy. 

Funds from the environmental compensation fee account were used to run the program.

Benefits of urban trees

Expanding the urban forest canopy provides many environmental and health benefits, including:

• Providing shade and temperature regulation for nearby buildings
• Capturing and storing carbon
• Intercepting and absorbing rain, which reduces runoff into the storm sewer system 
• Stabilizing soils
• Providing food and shelter for wildlife and habitat connectivity
• Filtering air pollutants
• Improving mental and physical well-being 

Selecting the right tree

Learn more about the native tree species offered and whether the tree is suitable for your yard.

Planting your tree

Erika Nassichuk, environmental protection officer at the District, shares tips on planting new trees.