Palo Alto highschool volunteer planting a tree

Palo Alto Community Trees

Voice for Palo Alto’s trees

Canopy plays a critical role as a voice and advocate for the planting and care of community trees in Palo Alto.

Working closely with city staff, we share current best practices learned through our urban forestry networks, connect the City with local experts and provide advice on tree selection, watering and climate issues.

We also administer the City’s Right Tree Right Place Program and provide residents with site-appropriate tree suggestions.

Palo Alto tree plantings: streets, parks and community spaces

Canopy raises funds and coordinates volunteers to supplement plantings by the City of Palo Alto’s Tree Department, locating them along our city streets, in parks and in community spaces. Each year, Canopy coordinates volunteer street tree plantings in areas where multiple street trees are needed in one neighborhood. For neighborhood plantings, we recruit Neighborhood Tree Ambassadors, get buy-in from homeowners and engage them in the planting and continued care of their new street trees. Canopy also works closely with the Parks Department and Tree Division to identify tree needs in parks. We bring critical shade to play areas and community buildings and provide opportunities for local community groups to get involved.

Engaging the community in expanding our local urban forest

We engage local students, parents, philanthropic organizations, corporate groups and other residents in creating a healthier environment. At plantings, we educate participants about proper tree selection, planting and care. We enable and encourage residents to participate in the preservation and expansion of our urban forest by planting trees near their homes and by promoting the health of young and mature trees in their neighborhood.

Want to get involved? Check out Canopy’s planting and tree care volunteer opportunities.

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“Working with Canopy has been a great experience. We teach volunteers how to plant trees properly. We teach the public about proper tree care and proper tree selection. Planting trees is one of the best things we can do to help heal the planet.

~ Kathy Kinser Alford, Canopy volunteer

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