How to Engage Your Local Community in Urban Tree Planning

In cities across Canada, urban forests are shrinking. We’ve lost 14% of our urban tree coverage since 2000, largely due to development, but also storms and pests.  

And while planting new trees is crucial, planting them with the community can be even more powerful. When people come together and become involved in urban tree planning, trees live longer, cities grow smarter, and neighbourhoods thrive. 

Photo credits to unsplash.com

Whether you’re a municipal planner or a concerned local, real change starts with real engagement. Here’s how to bring your community to the table.

Ways to Engage the Community in Urban Tree Planning

1. Host Community Tree Walks & Tours

Guided tree walks and neighbourhood tours are a great way to get people interested in urban tree planning. These casual, educational strolls help residents see their local canopy in a whole new light. 

Highlight different species, share fun facts about native vs. non-native trees, point out signs of disease or stress, and talk about the lesser-known benefits of trees. 

Not only do tree walks raise awareness, but they also create a connection between residents and the landscape. People are far more likely to support tree planting when they understand the role trees play in the community’s health, heritage, and future. 

Additionally, these events offer a valuable opportunity for local arborists, environmental groups, and city planners to engage with residents in a relaxed, face-to-face setting, allowing them to address questions and share ideas.

2. Hold Public Planning Workshops or Open Houses

If you want community buy-in, start by inviting people into the process. Hosting public tree planning workshops or open houses gives residents a voice in what their neighbourhoods will look like in 10, 20, or even 50 years. 

These events can showcase upcoming projects, introduce potential planting zones, and encourage feedback on species selection, layout, and long-term goals.

Use visuals—maps, mock-ups, canopy projections, even historical photos—showing how the neighbourhood has changed over time. When residents can see the impact of their input, they’re more likely to support future initiatives and even volunteer. 

Keep the atmosphere welcoming, collaborative, and jargon-free.

3. Make Your Initiatives Accessible Online 

Not everyone can make it to an in-person workshop, and you want to give your initiatives the maximum reach. And that’s where online engagement comes in. 

Hosting surveys, interactive planting maps, or comment portals lets residents weigh in on plans at their own pace. You can also share updates, timelines, or educational content in accessible, everyday language.

Share these on your social media as well as the city’s website and social media, plus community groups and email newsletters. The key is to make participation easy and information easy to understand.

4. Create Volunteer Tree Steward Programs

One of the simplest ways to build long-term community investment is by creating a Tree Steward program. These volunteer-based initiatives empower residents to take ownership of the urban canopy by helping with monitoring, light maintenance, and tree health reporting. 

With proper training, community members can learn to spot early signs of disease, assess soil and watering needs, and advocate for trees on their block.

To encourage participation, offer incentives like certificates, community recognition, or even friendly neighbourhood competitions (think: healthiest tree, best mulching job). 

Tree stewards act as your boots-on-the-ground partners, spreading awareness, catching issues early, and building a stronger relationship between residents and their green space. When people care for “their” trees, they care more deeply about the entire urban forest.

5. Partner with Local Schools and Youth Programs

Want to create lasting tree advocates? Start with kids. Partnering with schools, after-school programs, and youth groups is a brilliant way to get students engaged early in tree planning and stewardship.

Activities like tree tagging, planting days, and even in-classroom curriculum tie-ins turn education into action. Not only do kids gain environmental knowledge, but they also bring that enthusiasm home. In turn, families start participating in neighbourhood greening projects. 

Programs like “Adopt-a-Tree” for classrooms or student-led watering crews during dry spells can instill a sense of responsibility and spark a lifelong love of nature. Then there are planting events that make great photo ops and build community pride. 

6. Include Underrepresented Communities in the Process

Urban tree planning often skips over the very communities that could benefit most from more canopy coverage—think renters, newcomers, or low-income families living in hotter, more densely built areas. 

Work with local organizations, cultural centres, and nonprofits to meet people where they are. Translate materials, use visuals, and remove the jargon so that everyone can understand how urban forestry affects their daily life.

7. Launch a “Tree Adoption” or Sponsorship Program

Sometimes, all it takes to turn “a tree” into someone’s tree is a name, a plaque, or a sense of ownership. Tree adoption or sponsorship programs invite residents to support the urban canopy by financially sponsoring or “adopting” a public tree. Whether it’s in memory of a loved one, in celebration of a new birth, or just out of pride in their block, people love the chance to leave a living legacy.

Participants can track their tree’s growth, get seasonal updates, or even volunteer for basic care. Not only does this build stronger connections, but it also reduces vandalism and neglect. Let’s be honest, people protect what’s theirs.

8. Contact Green Drop Tree Care

We offer free tree planting demonstrations, Dutch Elm Disease (DED) prevention demonstrations, and educational seminars to communities. While summer and fall are ideal seasons for these events, we’re also available to provide them during winter and spring upon request.

If your community is interested in hosting a free demonstration or seminar, please don’t hesitate to contact us to make arrangements.

Why Community Involvement Matters

When residents feel connected to their urban forest, they’re more likely to care for it, advocate for it, and defend it during budget cuts or development debates. Here’s why meaningful community involvement matters:

• Longer tree lifespans. Engaged residents report problems earlier, water during droughts, and prevent unnecessary damage.
• Fewer removals and replacements. When the community has a say in species or planting locations, trees are better suited to their surroundings.
• Greater equity. Public input helps ensure all neighbourhoods receive canopy coverage and green infrastructure.
• More funding support. Projects with visible community backing are more likely to be approved by councils or qualify for grants.
• Better data and outcomes. Residents contribute valuable local knowledge, like drainage issues, microclimates, or space constraints, which improves planning accuracy.

How Green Drop Supports Urban Forestry Engagement

At Green Drop, we believe a thriving urban forest starts with people. That’s why our approach combines expert tree care with community collaboration. 

Strategic Planning for Long-Term Growth

We help municipalities across Western Canada develop tailored urban forestry plans that serve their communities for decades. Our services include:

• Urban forest management planning
• Tree inventories and canopy assessments
• Risk and health assessments for municipal trees

Engaging Communities in the Process

We support your urban forestry initiatives by: 

• Hosting or supporting public consultation events
• Creating community education materials
• Recommending engagement strategies that meet your residents where they are

Urban Forests Thrive When Communities Lead

The most successful urban forestry plans are more than just planting trees. They plant ideas, start conversations, and create pride. 

At Green Drop, we help cities and communities across Western Canada bring people into the urban tree planning process from day one. Whether you need urban forestry expertise or support with your planning, public engagement, or canopy assessments, our team is here to help.

Get a free assessment from our team of ISA-certified arborists today. Bring communities together by making your next project a movement people can’t ignore.