Four photos of mature and new trees in Tempe parks

Urban Forest

Font Size: + -

Feedback Print

Trees play a pivotal role in the health of the environment and community. They help reduce pollution, sequester carbon, and slow down storm runoff which reduces soil erosion. They also provide much-needed shade during those hot summer days. Well-maintained trees and landscapes can increase property values, and the health benefits can improve air quality, reduce stress, and enhance community pride. Providing wildlife habitat in our urban areas is beneficial toward maintaining a sustainable ecosystem.

That's why Tempe remains so committed to urban forestry and increasing the city's tree canopy. Read our Urban Forest Master Plan and check out helpful resources.

Donate a tree

Our city lost more than 500 trees in our parks and rights of way as a result of the Oct. 13 microburst. Your tax-deductable donation of any amount can help replace those trees faster. You can assist in bringing back the shade, beauty and sound-softening that trees add to our community.

Tree Incentives

Did you know you can receive assistance to help add new greenery your property? Tempe remains committed to urban forestry and increasing the city's tree canopy, and the city offers several programs to help lessen the burden for residents:

Cost Match Tree Program - 50% of cost
Residential Desert Plant Rebate - up to $75
Non-Residential TreeBate - up to $500
Neighborhood Grants -up to $20,000
Living Tree donation program
SRP Shade Tree Program with Trees Matter

Tree Steward Program

Community Tree Map

Have you planted a new tree in your yard? If so, add it to our brand new Community Tree Map. Tempe’s urban tree canopy is growing, and the city is committed to achieving a 25% tree and shade canopy by 2040. This goal encompasses both city-owned and private properties, which is why we’re asking for your help in documenting new trees.

By planting and registering trees, residents and organizations can contribute to tracking progress and identifying underplanted areas, ensuring an equitable distribution of shade canopy across all neighborhoods. Register your tree and explore Tempe’s urban forest through interactive maps at urbanforestry.tempe.gov.

Arbor Month

April is Arbor Month, and it is an ideal time to plant a tree. Tempe can help with educational and financial resources. Planting a tree helps increase Tempe’s tree coverage, which helps Tempe achieve Performance Measure 4.11 and also maintain its designations: Tree City USA (29 years) and Tree Cities of the World (six years).

Check out Tempe’s available tree resources that can help ensure that the right tree is planted in the right place. Watch a video on the history of Arbor Day and how to plant a tree.

Educational Resources

Landscape Trees for the Arizona Desert: Learn how to select the right tree for your unique landscape. Discover trees that thrive in Arizona's climate and soil.
Common Mistakes When Planting Trees: Proper planting is essential to the long-term health of trees. A mistake that seems small now may kill a tree prematurely. Learn common mistakes during tree planting and how to avoid them.
Right Tree, Right Place: Learn about landscape trees that enhance the Arizona desert landscape. Explore best practices in selecting and planting new trees.
Tree Care: Take this self-paced, interactive tutorial to learn how to properly plant and care for trees. Tempe residents who take the class and complete the form will also qualify to apply for the Residential Desert Plant Rebate.
Tree Pruning Basics: Learn the valid reasons and proper methods of tree pruning in an urban landscape. The recording features a live pruning demonstration and previously recorded question and answer session with Richard Adkins, Tempe's Urban Forester.

Contact Information