Providence's Urban Forest

Trees are vital to the health and well-being of Providence residents, and the quality-of -life in our neighborhoods. City trees offer shade, beauty, and significant benefits to the local environment. A healthy tree canopy cleans the air of pollutants, lowers summer temperatures, reduces energy use, absorbs and stores carbon, intercepts storm water runoff, and provides habitat for birds and wildlife. Trees in commercial districts create a more comfortable and attractive environment to attract shoppers, which is good for business and the economy. Street trees and yard trees can boost the resale value of nearby homes up to 10%, and help build community pride and that intangible "sense of place."


Providence has approximately 25,000 street trees throughout its 25 neighborhoods, with over 95 different species. These trees are substantial assets - they offer $2.9 million in environmental benefits annually, and have a replacement value of $81.1 million. For every dollar spent on the city’s tree program each year, Providence receives $3.33 in benefits. Our street trees store 39,000 tons of carbon in their trunks, preventing CO2 from reaching the atmosphere and contributing to global warming.


Viewed from above, Providence's "urban forest" is clear to see. Not only just street trees, it includes all trees in parks, along rivers, on campuses and other institutional property, and in residential backyards. A recent Parks Department study shows that Providence has 23% tree canopy citywide, the layer of leaves and branches that cover the ground. About 62% of this tree canopy is found in residential neighborhoods, while another 25% is on public parkland.


State of Providence’s Urban Forest (in PDF format)

Recent Articles

"Mapping Urban Tree Canopy in Providence, RI"
City Trees, March 2008.

"A Tree Grows in Providence" - Providence Journal, June 22, 2007

site index