The Equitable DC Tree Canopy Project examined the urban tree canopy for Washington, DC, using data from the DC government’s DC Open Data website and US census population data.

The project identified a strong correlation between income and tree canopy. As the District continues to invest in expanding the urban tree canopy to meet the 2032 goal, an equitable approach to that investment should prioritize funding and effort for those areas most needing investment.

The project created a priority score to assist city planners in prioritizing areas for planting and investment. The priority score incorporates the percent of tree canopy in a census block group, the income level, the total available planting area, and the available plantable areas with vegetation (rather than the more challenging impermeable surfaces such as asphalt).

The “Top 10” locations by census block group are identified for prioritization.