Increasing urban canopy
The Lands Council’s Urban Forestry Program aims to increase Spokane’s urban canopy coverage by planting free trees in low-income neighborhoods with below average canopy coverage. Enhancing Spokane’s urban forests, we build a more beautiful, climate-resilient community for the future of Spokane. Our programs, CoolCanopy and SpoCanopy, work to provide equal access to the benefits of urban canopy coverage. Partnerships with the City of Spokane and the Spokane Conservation District allow us to engage with the community and plant trees to benefit everyone.
Benefits of urban Trees
SpoCanopy and CoolCanopy
SpoCanopy and CoolCanopy are both programs that provide free trees with a goal of increasing Spokane’s urban canopy, especially in areas with lower canopy cover. SpoCanopy is a partnership between the City of Spokane and The Lands Council, and focuses on street trees within Spokane’s city limits. CoolCanopy is a partnership between the Spokane Conservation District and The Lands Council, and provides trees for properties anywhere in Spokane County.
How do I care for my trees?
While planting new trees is important for increasing Spokane’s urban canopy, caring for existing trees is just as important. As the climate warms and the Inland Northwest has increasing droughts, these stressors can cause trees to become susceptible to pests, disease, and heat. Even established trees benefit from deep waterings during our hot and dry summers. For additional care, arborists can help keep your trees healthy and give you specific recommendations for caring for the trees on your property.
The City of Spokane’s new program, Tree Equity Spokane, supports more than just tree planting. If you have a tree that needs removal or pruning, visit their page for more information: Tree Equity Spokane.
For new plantings:
Once the tree is planted, keep the soil moist but not soaked. Start with five gallons of water per inch of trunk diameter per week and adjust as needed to keep the soil evenly moist. For the first three years, water trees at least once a week, barring rain, and more frequently during hot weather. Mulching newly established trees helps prevent moisture loss.
For more information on watering and care for both new and established trees, you can refer to the City of Spokane Tree Stewardship Guide and Tree Watering Guide:
Tree Species
Click here for a species guide of trees we often plant. Species availability changes year to year, and no species is guaranteed. Trees are first come, first served, so once you sign up, watch your email and complete your species survey early to secure your favorite tree!
For SpoCanopy, we only plant trees in the right-of-way that are approved for urban plantings by the City of Spokane’s Urban Forestry department. These are trees that can handle urban conditions, won’t interfere with overhead utility lines, and are less likely to have their roots push up sidewalks and streets.
Want to have native trees planted? Serviceberry and Chokecherry trees are native, suitable for urban plantings, and provide food for wildlife. Tall conifers like Ponderosa Pine, Douglas Fir, and Western Larch are native species, but aren’t always suitable for urban plantings.
When you request trees through SpoCanopy and CoolCanopy, an expert will work with you to determine the best species for your property.
Species we have planted in the past:
Join Us
Funding for this project provided by the USDA Forest Service, Urban and Community Forestry Program in partnership with Spokane Urban Forestry and Spokane Conservation District.
Urban forestry is community-based, and The Lands Council cannot restore our urban greenspaces without the support of our community. You can help by signing up for a free tree, volunteering to plant trees, or donating to fund a planting. Our urban forestry programs rely on volunteers, and we need your support to continue this important work!
Thank you to our partners, Spokane Urban Forestry, and Spokane Conservation District:
And thank you to our sponsors Avista Utilities, Canopy Credit Union, and Roast House Coffee, who help make this work possible:
