
Many of the recommendations in the Pittsburgh Urban Forest Master Plan (see below) focus on increasing tree canopy cover in lower-canopy neighborhoods through connecting and engaging with the community. Pittsburgh’s city-wide average tree canopy cover is 42% but this is unequally distributed throughout different neighborhoods. To better work with the unique challenges that exist in Pittsburgh’s diverse regions, Tree Pittsburgh is focused on working with communities to create neighborhood-level urban forest master plans. The goal is to increase tree canopy cover and engagement on a localized scale by planting more trees and ensuring for their care.
Tree Pittsburgh’s work focuses in areas with lower tree canopy cover, elevated urban heat island issues, compromised air quality, localized flooding or stormwater runoff problems, and existing Tree Tenders. From working with the community residents and local organizations, Tree Pittsburgh strives to create plans that are relevant and address opportunities and challenges at the neighborhood level.