What are tree canopies(areas covered by trees)?

Tree canopies in cities refer to the layer of leaves, branches, and stems of trees that provide shade and other benefits to urban environments. They can help to reduce the urban heat island effect, improve air and water quality, and provide habitat for wildlife. However, urban tree canopies are often threatened by development, climate change, and other factors, which can negatively impact the health and well-being of city residents.

How tree canopies (areas covered by trees) impact you

Tree canopies in cities have several positive environmental impacts, such as:

  • improving air and water quality,
  • reducing the urban heat island effect, and
  • providing habitat for wildlife.

Trees absorb carbon dioxide and other pollutants from the air, provide shade that reduces energy use for cooling, and reduce the amount of stormwater runoff that can contribute to flooding and erosion. They also provide important ecosystem services such as pollination, and contribute to the overall quality of life in urban areas.


Take Action: Additional Informational Resources

Learn more about nonprofits doing work to create tree canopies in Madison here.

Learn about the Tree canopy goals.

Read more about Urban Tree Canopy (UTC) Analysis

Help strengthen the urban forest in the Madison area by receiving a free tree for your backyard from the Urban Tree Alliance.

In Dane County, the Tree Canopy Collaborative is working to maintain, protect, and expand tree canopies (areas covered by trees) in underserved areas where ecologically appropriate.

This map illustrates the locations of the approximately 1100 trees planted by the Urban Tree Alliance:

This map illustrates the locations of the approximately 1100 trees planted by the Urban Tree Alliance

Interactive map with the canopy cover of every urban area in Wisconsin (since 2013)