What is tree equity?
Tree equity refers to the fair distribution of trees and green spaces within a community, ensuring that all neighborhoods, regardless of socioeconomic status or demographics, have equal access to the benefits that trees provide.
Research on tree equity has shown that when race, income and tree distribution are mapped together, there is a pattern of higher tree canopy cover in higher income and/or predominantly white areas across Canadian cities (read more in Nature Canada’s Tree Equity Report) . Due to many discriminatory polices, low income and often racialized communities are generally located in urban areas characterized by lower quality natural environments. These communities are disproportionately exposed to environmental burdens that threaten their health and have limited access to environmental amenities.
Unearthing the Root Causes of Canopy Disparities
To understand tree equity (or in this case, tree inequity), we must dig deeper into our city’s history. Our urban forest is a result of complex, intertwined historical, political, socioeconomic and environmental conditions. What main factors have led to the disparity between neighbourhoods?
Redlining and Disinvestment - Marginalized communities in Toronto have historically been subjected to discriminatory practices such as redlining and disinvestment. Redlining systematically keeps services (usually financial) out of reach for residents of certain areas based on race or ethnicity. Disinvestment, on the other hand, is the withdrawal/reduction of an investment for a certain area.
These practices have significant impacts on the distribution of green spaces and tree canopy coverage across the city. In tree planting terms, neighborhoods with higher income levels often have greater resources to invest in tree planting initiatives, maintenance and green infrastructure, thereby perpetuating a cycle of inequity wherein affluent areas enjoy lush greenery while low-income neighborhoods are left barren.
Extending the Canopy - The Citywide Relevance of Tree Equity
In marginalized neighbourhoods, the simple act of improving canopy cover can resonate deeply with the individuals that call them home. For areas navigating socio-economic challenges, the presence of green spaces offers more than just visual relief—it serves as a lifeline to improved health and well-being.
Trees, with their capacity to mitigate air pollution, alleviate heat stress, and foster a sense of connection to nature, provide tangible health benefits to all community members. From reduced rates of respiratory illnesses to enhanced mental health outcomes, the ripple effects of tree planting extend far beyond just their canopies. Moreover, the act of cultivating and caring for these green spaces fosters a sense of ownership and pride within the community, empowering residents to shape their environment and cultivate a brighter future for generations to come.
These benefits are not limited to just the community where these trees are planted; they are citywide benefits that we can all take advantage of in our daily lives.
A Google Street View of a street located in Regent Park, Toronto. Regent Park is a low-canopy NIA. Image capture Oct 2020 ©2024 Google.
A Google Street View of Rosedale, Toronto area. Rosedale is not a low-canopy NIA. Image capture Sept 2021 ©2024 Google.
Steps Toward Tree Equity Through Community Engagement
Addressing tree equity requires a combined effort from local non-profits, community members and decision makers. To advocate for our urban forest, we also have to advocate for the people that live in it. Here are a few things to consider:
- Incentivize Planting on Private Land – Organizations already involved in tree planting can offer incentives to encourage homeowners to plant on their own land, which can help increase canopy cover across the city. For example, LEAF implemented the Toronto Low-Canopy Neighbourhood Greening Initiative to incentivize planting in 23 low-canopy Neighbourhood Improvement Areas that needed trees and shrubs the most.
- Empower Communities – Organizations and community members alike should encourage an inclusive experience for ALL in green spaces. Everyone has a different lived experience with nature, and we should welcome those who have not typically been included before with open arms. Organizations should strive to build meaningful relationships and connections with marginalized communities to serve them better.
- Understand The Issue – Research tree equity, its history and its place in our current urban landscape. A great exercise is to go on virtual tree tours using the street view tool on Google Maps to assess canopy cover in different neighbourhoods across the city. Think critically and ask questions!
- Get Involved with Local Decision-Makers – Research your local urban forestry management plan to better understand the current actions being taken to combat tree inequities. Meet with local councillors to voice your concerns regarding tree equity and greenspaces. Take pictures of the tree-lush and tree-deficit neighbourhoods to send to your councillor. Post them on social media and tag relevant decision-makers.
Tree equity isn't just a buzzword; it's a movement. By recognizing the importance of equitable access to nature, addressing the root causes of canopy disparities and empowering communities to take ownership of their urban forests, we can sow the seeds of positive change across Toronto. Let's roll up our sleeves, grab our shovels and get ready to make our city a little greener, one tree at a time!
Visit our Toronto Low-Canopy Neighbourhood Greening Initiative page to learn more how LEAF is attempting to improve tree equity in Toronto. If you’re interested in tree planting services for your yard, visit the Toronto homeowners page and select either the Full-Service or Do-It-Yourself tree planting program to apply today!
Jon is the Residential Planting Programs Field Coordinator at LEAF.
The Toronto Low-Canopy Neighbourhood Greening Initiative is supported by the Arbor Day Foundation, Salesforce and the City of Toronto.
LEAF offers a subsidized Backyard Tree Planting Program for private property. The program is supported by the City of Toronto, the Regional Municipality of York, the City of Markham, the Town of Newmarket, the Regional Municipality of Durham, the Town of Ajax, the Township of Brock, the Municipality of Clarington, the City of Oshawa, the City of Pickering, the Township of Scugog, the Town of Whitby and Ontario Power Generation.
