Street Tree Equity Project

Purpose

In early Summer 2021, Urban Forestry staff asked two questions: 1) Are street trees in Raleigh equally distributed? and 2) Are street trees in Raleigh equitably distributed? These questions were answered with these steps:

1. Street tree density was mapped for the City of Raleigh by the Raleigh Parks GIS team. This map told us street trees are not equally distributed throughout the city.
2. Social data was added to the map which identified street trees were lacking in a cluster of neighborhoods southeast of downtown Raleigh. This map told us street trees are not equitably distributed in the city.
3. The map was verified with an in-person street tree inventory that confirmed the location of existing street trees and empty planting spaces in the right-of-way.

Where there are gaps in the right-of-way, there are opportunities to plant street trees. Growing an equitable urban forest in the neighborhoods southeast of downtown Raleigh is known as the Street Tree Equity Project.

Update

The first of three plantings took place in January 2023 where 350 street trees were planted in front of churches, schools, and parks.

Two street tree plantings are taking place in January 2024 and January 2025, with approximately 300 to 350 trees planted each time.

Community engagement initiatives were a priority in the summer of 2023 by meeting community members at events like Arbor Day, Earth Day, and Mud Day. In the month of August, mailers were sent to homes identified as potential locations to receive street trees for feedback on the type of tree to be planted.

Frequently Asked Questions

Why are street trees important?

Increasing trees within a neighborhood provides environmental, social, and economic benefits, such as:
•  Cleaner air as trees filter out dust and pollutants
•  Reduced flash floods during rainstorms
•  Absorbing carbon dioxide while producing oxygen
•  Providing shade and cooler air temperatures during hot days
•  Encourage neighbors to play and gather outdoors
•  Connecting people with nature
•  Reduce air conditioning bills during the hot summer months

How did you determine where to plant new street trees?

As part of the Strategic Plan and effort toward environmental equity and justice, the Urban Forestry division reviewed and analyzed the current inventory of street trees and determined the priority areas for new plantings. 

The Urban Forestry Division completed a walking survey of existing street trees, reviewed available Census Data and reviewed an Urban Heat Island study. The walking survey shows, on average, there is 1 street tree every 1,000 feet in the priority area, whereas other, newer parts of the City have street trees every 40 feet. While existing infrastructure like curbs, driveways, or retaining walls might make it difficult to plant a tree every 40 feet, there is ample space to increase the overall number of street trees in the area. 

Who waters and maintains the street trees?

Urban Forestry staff and the landscaping company hired to install the trees will be responsible for planting the tree, watering, and monitoring the trees for health and vigor.

Can the tree roots from street trees grow into my pipes?

Tree roots can only grow into pipes that are already damaged and leaking water; however, the proposed tree locations are a minimum of 5 feet away to avoid any conflicts with larger roots that will develop later in the tree’s life.

Who can I talk to if there are existing or future problems like limbs blocking the street or sidewalk or if the tree looks like it is dying?

You may complete a Tree Service Request or call 919-996-4115 to report any issues. An Urban Forestry certified arborist will follow up with the request, complete an inspection and organize a plan to correct any problems, like removing and replacing the tree or pruning limbs out of the street.

The City also has See Click Fix for reporting other issues like graffiti, potholes, drainage, signals & signs, parks & trails, water & sewer or garbage.