Urban and Community
Tree Canopy Program

In short, a wide variety of resilient trees will be selected to meet the needs of each site while contributing to a biodiverse, healthy municipal forest.

The longer answer is that it depends. First, we’ll ask several questions about the planting area. Is the area in full sun or is it shaded? Do we expect wet, dry, or drought conditions? Could this area experience salt-heavy conditions from road salt? Next, GRG will screen and select tree species that are best suited to survive in these site-specific planting conditions. This is particularly important in municipal settings where trees must, at times, withstand harsh conditions such as salt from winter street salting, heat from being the sole tree in the midst of concrete, lack of space for roots, or snow piles from winter plowing.

From there, we consider the needs of the setting including community stakeholder desires, site development plans, and the condition of the wider municipal forest. Tree height, width, canopy form, and other characteristics are considered, and our staff also focus on improving biodiversity of the wider forest to increase overall resiliency.

Typically, we will use shade/canopy trees to maximize the cooling benefits these types of trees bring to a community. Examples include: bur oak, northern catalpa, Kentucky coffeetree, common hackberry, honey locust, and American linden. We first look to plant tree species native to Minnesota; however, we will consider and use cultivars, when necessary, based on unique, site-specific needs or stresses.

Our team of highly knowledgeable scientists lead environmental restoration projects, including reforestation and urban tree planting, throughout the state. They identify distressed natural areas, develop restoration/maintenance plans best suited for the natural environment, and execute plans with the help of a field crew and volunteers. Both long-term staff and new hires review industry standards and emerging best practices for site preparation, species selection, and proper techniques for planting, watering, and maintenance.

Our staff of ecologists, foresters, and environmental educators understand the importance of resilient urban tree canopies and will make informed selections of tree species and tree planting techniques to increase tree survival. Additionally, Greening staff is committed to engaging with the local communities to listen for community needs and develop a plan for ongoing stewardship of these living assets.

Yes, the grant includes funding for watering trees for up to three years after planting. We also plan to partner with and train local stakeholders and residents in best practices for watering these newly planted trees.

Greening will have free tree giveaways throughout all five communities (Saint Paul, Brooklyn Center, Saint Cloud, Faribault, and Owatonna) during this 5-year grant period. All trees given away must be planted within the areas identified on the Climate and Economic Justice Screening Tool (CEJST). Once the CMC program starts and details are determined, we will share the tree giveaway dates and locations.

At this time, all funds are already allocated to our currently identified partners. However, please reach out if you have a project you’d like to discuss that is within the CEJST identified areas! We have alternative funding sources and tree canopy initiatives that may be a fit.