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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  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 deposited in tree trunks, branches, roots, leaves, dead wood, and soils. Learn more about how trees support carbon reduction in the Climate Emergency Action Plan.

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  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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  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).

  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. 

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  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.

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  Planting

  Every year, between November and April, the Urban Forestry team plants new trees across the city. We select tree species that are expected to thrive by considering future climate projections, existing urban forest diversity, and site-specific suitability. 

  We prioritize tree planting by 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 23%. We’re working 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, 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.

  Our team works overtime through the drought season to water trees across the city, using probes, sprinklers, and water cannons. 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 the suitability of planting new tree species.

  Support local trees by helping us 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 inspectors are experts at inspecting and monitoring tree health and condition. When making assessments we look for opportunities to improve and preserve the quality 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.

  If you see a tree that needs to be pruned, make a request using Van311.

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  Removal

  We recognize the value of all trees and their meaningfulness to communities and nature. 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. 

  Our expert staff use a grinder to break the stump down into mulch that can be more easily removed.

The Urban Forest Strategy

We recognize there are competing values and objectives in dealing with trees. This strategy provides a clear and balanced approach to protecting and expanding the urban forest in our city.

 An update on the Urban Forestry Strategy will be communicated in winter 2025. To learn more about this initiative, see the details below.

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  Progress and documents

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

  April 30, 2018 – The Park Board received the Urban Forest Strategy: 2018 update, for information, which was carried unanimously to guide the Park Board’s efforts to protect and manage Vancouver’s urban forest on public lands.

  • Urban Forest Strategy presentation (2018) PDF file (4 MB)
  • Urban Forest Strategy report (2018) PDF file (14 MB)
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  Goals and targets

  Urban Forest goals:

  • Protect the urban forest during development
  • Plant trees to grow the urban forest 
  • Manage trees for health and safety 
  • Engage citizens in the urban forest
  • Monitor the status and condition of the urban forest

  Urban Forest targets

  • Increase the urban forest canopy to 30% by 2050