Document Type
Article
Journal/Book Title/Conference
Journal of the American Planning Association
Author ORCID Identifier
Alexandra G. Ponette-González https://orcid.org/0000-0003-2908-2938
Matthew Fry https://orcid.org/0000-0003-1708-9091
Daniella Hirschfeld https://orcid.org/0000-0001-9664-7594
Jeff Rose https://orcid.org/0000-0003-3171-7242
Evan Elderbrock https://orcid.org/0000-0002-6951-7441
Publisher
Routledge
Publication Date
6-16-2025
Journal Article Version
Version of Record
First Page
1
Last Page
9
Creative Commons License
This work is licensed under a Creative Commons Attribution-Noncommercial-No Derivative Works 4.0 License.
Abstract
Trees in U.S. cities are unevenly and inequitably distributed. To address this challenge, planners increasingly use digital tools to prioritize areas and communities for tree projects. The goal is to achieve tree equity wherein all populations have access to the benefits of urban trees. Here we identify limitations and opportunities in the operationalization of the tree equity concept via digital platforms. We call on planners using digital tools in urban forest planning to (1) incorporate data that capture the heterogeneity of spaces in which urban trees grow, (2) include and support marginalized communities in urban forest planning, and (3) couple digital tools with local community engagement across the life-span of tree-related projects.
Recommended Citation
Ponette-González, A. G., Fry, M., Hirschfeld, D., Rose, J., & Elderbrock, E. (2025). Just Distribution of Tree Canopy? A Digital Approach to Tree Equity. Journal of the American Planning Association, 1–9. https://doi.org/10.1080/01944363.2025.2501610