Vancouver's urban forest

Benefits of the urban forest

Vancouver will experience hotter, drier summers, more frequent and intense rainfall events, and rising sea levels because of climate change. The urban forest plays an increasingly important role as we experience the effects of climate change. 

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• Improved air quality

  Wildfire smoke is a top climate risk for Vancouver. Before 2015, air quality alerts due to wildfire smoke were almost non-existent in Vancouver. Since then there have been a cumulative 60 days with air quality advisories largely due to PM2.5 concentrations (the small particulates associated with wildfire smoke).

  Healthy trees improve the atmosphere by removing:

  • Carbon
  • Ozone
  • Sulfur dioxide
  • Other pollutants from the air while producing oxygen

  They also reduce small particulate matter that can impact respiratory systems. 

• Carbon absorption

  Trees play an important role in how Vancouver will capture carbon pollution. Trees capture, secure, and store carbon as they grow, keeping it out of the atmosphere. During photosynthesis, trees absorb carbon which is then stored in tree trunks, branches, roots, leaves, dead wood, and soils.

  Learn more about how trees support carbon reduction in the Climate Emergency Action Plan.

• Increased biodiversity

  Trees across the city play an important role in supporting biodiversity. Our tree selection, density, and maintenance practices consider which trees best provide habitat for birds, insects, and small mammals. By planting the right species in the right place, we create connections for biodiversity to flourish across the city.

• Heat management

  Heatwaves disproportionately impact individuals and groups that are predisposed to heat illness and face systemic inequalities. Trees can shade streets and buildings during heat waves, lowering the temperature and reducing the urban heat island effect.

  In Vancouver, the lowest canopy cover areas like the Downtown Eastside and Marpole experience extreme heat events more intensely. We focus our planting efforts in neighbourhoods with low canopy cover, high summer temperatures, and those identified in the VanPlay Equity Initiative Zones PDF file (12.2 MB).

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  Planting

  Every year, between November and April, the Urban Forestry team plants new and replacement trees across the city. Tree species selection considers future climate projections, existing urban forest diversity, and site-specific suitability. 

  Tree planting is prioritizing targeting areas of the city with diminished canopy and typically higher temperatures where trees are needed the most. Vancouver currently has a canopy cover of 25%. The new target is to increase that to 30% by 2050. 

  Expanding the canopy improves our resilience to extreme weather events like the heat dome of 2021. Planting trees in areas where the heat dome was felt most intensely is a key climate adaptation tool in reducing heat island effects while providing much-needed shade for residents. As natural air purifiers and shade providers, more trees in the ground also mean an overall cooling effect for the city. In the winter, healthy trees provide protection against extreme winds and severe winter storms.

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  Watering

  Vancouver benefits from plentiful rain through the fall and winter but is increasingly experiencing hotter, drier summers that pose a threat to trees and other vegetation across the region.

  Through the drought season, trees are watered across the city using probes, hoses, and sprinklers. This is especially important for young trees that need extra support to mature. Our annual watering program also allows us to monitor and evaluate tree establishment and success from planting new tree species.

  Support local trees by helping to water them. Trickle water using a hose with an automated shut-off device or slowly pour a bucket of water around the base of thirsty trees twice a week, ideally in the evening to reduce evaporation.

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  Pruning

  Our Urban Forestry staff are qualified professionals responsible for inspecting and monitoring tree health and condition. When making assessments we look for opportunities to improve and preserve the health of trees and reduce the risk of trees failing.

  Pruning is an essential part of tree care and must be done strategically by professionals. It supports tree health by removing dead, dying, or diseased branches and ensuring a tree does not grow beyond what it is able to support.

  Report a tree-related issue (trees on boulevards, streets, and parks)

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  Removal

  The value of all trees and their meaningfulness to communities and nature is acknowledged. However, when trees are diseased, dead, present a risk to public safety or infrastructure, or certain development is underway, some trees need to be removed.

  Stumping is a challenging aspect of tree removal. Trees grow deep roots, under city pavements and infrastructure. When it’s time to remove a stump, it must be done carefully so as not to damage its surroundings. 

  Experienced staff use a hydro-vac to clear soil and grinder to break the stump down into mulch that can be more easily removed.

The Urban Forest Strategy

There can sometimes be competing values and objectives in dealing with trees. This strategy provides a clear and balanced approach to managing, protecting, and expanding the urban forest in our city.

In May 2025, Board and Council unanimously adopted the 2025 Urban Forest Strategy.

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• Progress and documents

  May 2025 – The 2025 Urban Forest Strategy was presented and unanimously endorsed by both the Park Board and City Council. This Strategy will guide ongoing and future efforts to protect and manage Vancouver’s urban forest across both public and private lands.

  • Council report - Urban Forest Strategy 2025 update PDF file (53.7 KB)
  • Park Board report - Urban Forest Strategy 2025 update PDF file (55.2 KB)
  • 2025 Urban Forest Strategy PDF file (54.7 MB) 

  June 2024 – Vancouver Tree Canopy Assessment (2022) PDF file (19.3 MB)

• Goals and targets

  Urban Forest goals:

  1. Manage trees for health and safety
  2. Protect the urban forest
  3. Engage residents in the urban forest
  4. Monitor the status and condition of the urban forest
  5. Expand the urban forest

  Urban Forest vision

  • The Urban Forest Strategy will guide the management, protection and expansion of a diverse, resilient, and beautiful urban forest in Vancouver.

  City-wide tree canopy target

  • Increase the urban forest canopy to 30% by 2050