Beyond the Golden Shovel: recommendations for a successful urban tree planting initiative

Theodore S. Eisenman; Lara Roman; Johan Östberg; Lindsay K. Campbell; Erika Svendsen

doi:10.1080/01944363.2024.2330943

Treesearch

Beyond the Golden Shovel: recommendations for a successful urban tree planting initiative

Formally Refereed

Authors:

Theodore S. Eisenman, Lara Roman, Johan Östberg, Lindsay K. Campbell, Erika Svendsen

Year:

2024

Type:

Scientific Journal

Station:

Pacific Southwest Research Station

DOI:

https://doi.org/10.1080/01944363.2024.2330943

Source:

Journal of the American Planning Association. 91(1): 133-143.

Download (PDF 1.00 MB)

Download (PDF 1.00 MB): https://research.fs.usda.gov/download/treesearch/67782.pdf

Abstract

Urban tree planting initiatives (TPIs) have become a prominent form of public work that has the potential to increase the livability and sustainability of cities. However, if not sufficiently resourced and thoughtfully planned and implemented, these high-profile programs may fail to achieve intended goals. To promote successful implementation of TPIs, we offer recommendations for the pre-planting, installation, and postplanting phases. During each of these phases we present five cross-cutting themes: ensuring adequate funding for all project phases; cultivating place-based landscape design; engaging and investing in communities; implementing sound planting practices; and evaluating performance and adapting over time.

Keywords

urban greening, urban forestry, green infrastructure, environmental justice, climate change adaptation

Citation

Eisenman, Theodore S.; Roman, Lara A.; Östberg, Johan; Campbell, Lindsay K.; Svendsen, Erika. 2025. Beyond the Golden Shovel: recommendations for a successful urban tree planting initiative. Journal of the American Planning Association. 91(1): 133-143. https://doi.org/10.1080/01944363.2024.2330943.