Project Overview

Leaf Out safeguards existing trees, plants more across the city, and invites residents to help care for Raleigh’s urban forest.

Why it Matters

Trees clean the air and water, reduce heat, manage stormwater, provide wildlife habitat, beautify neighborhoods, and support community health and property value.

7 Focus Areas

1. Invasive Species Policy – Promote native plants, limit invasives.
2. Development Plant List – Native trees/shrubs for public and optional private land.
3. Community Native Plant List – Trees, shrubs, vines, grasses, and perennials.
4. City Property Best Practices – Guidelines for ecosystem and project success.
5. Leaf Out Landing Page – Central hub for project information and resources.
6. Community Partnerships – Collaborate with nonprofits and groups through grants, events, tree giveaways, and plantings.
7. 24,000 Trees Initiative – Support staff and partnerships to reach Raleigh’s tree-planting goal by 2032.

Goal: 24,000 trees by 2032 in celebration of our city’s 240th anniversary. We envision a future where residents are inspired to plant and protect trees and all neighborhoods benefit from ecological diversity, cleaner air, and cooler streets.

Get Involved

Learn how to Get Involved with Leaf Out.

You can also visit the engagement portal to learn more about the public engagement process. Please see the Resources section at the bottom of this page for project documents.