Fourth Ward Tree Canopy Enhancement Project

combat the heat with trees

Trees are the backbone of our communities. They shade the yards and sidewalks, prevent urban heat islands, improve physical and mental wellbeing, filter out air pollutants, tame stormwater, reduce crime, and create a sense of place. While community trees are providing immeasurable benefits for those living among them, not all neighborhoods enjoy ample tree canopy.

Neighborhoods that experience the highest temperatures are typically divided along race and class lines. Wealthy neighborhoods have 65% more shade than the poorest communities. And in neighborhoods where the majority of residents are people of color, there is 33% less tree canopy on average compared to majority-white neighborhoods. Read more.

Free Tree Form

What are urban heat islands?

Urban heat islands are metropolitan places where buildings and pavement cause it to be hotter than their outlying areas, with the impacts felt most during summer months. Paved roads, parking lots, and buildings absorb and retain heat during the day and radiate that heat back into the surrounding air at night. 

Neighborhoods in a highly-developed city can experience mid-afternoon temperatures that are 15°F to 20°F hotter than outlying areas with more vegetation and less development. Learn more about heat island cooling strategies. 

Below we provided a heat map comparing Fourth Ward to parts of Montrose. Check out the Houston and Harris County's urban heat island mapping campaign.  

Heat Map of our community

Tree Canopy Comparison

houston fourth ward tree canopy

Fourth Ward

Tree Canopy Coverge 9%

montrose houston texas tree canopy

Montrose

Tree Canopy Coverage 20-24%

river oaks houston texas tree canopy

River Oaks

Tree Canopy Coverage 35-50%

Frequently Asked Questions

Tree Canopy Enhancement Program

Our project was so successful, we plan to repeat in several underserved neighborhoods in the Spring of 2023. If you would like to sponsor our next project, please fill out the form and we will be in touch very soon.

*Submissions Closed*

Houston's underserved community with no trees
Greening Underserved Communities
Greening Underserved Communities
Houston's underserved community with no trees
Greening Underserved Communities
Greening Underserved Communities

Greening Underserved Communities

Trees are the backbone of our communities. They shade the yards and sidewalks, prevent heat islands, improve physical and mental wellbeing, filter out air pollutants, tame stormwater, and reduce crime, and create a sense of place. While community trees are providing immeasurable benefits for those living among them, not all neighborhoods enjoy ample tree canopy.

It’s no secret that number and quality of trees in a city has a socio-economic aspect. Poorer neighborhoods typically have far fewer trees than wealthier ones. Homes, sidewalks, schools and parks in lower-income areas often don’t benefit from the shade of large mature trees. These areas all but devoid of green space. Tree Peace is dedicated to supporting tree planting projects where they are needed most. With your continued support we are able to improve the quality of life in underprivileged neighborhoods that have a historically low tree canopy.

Houston's Historic Freedman's Town is a great example. In the early 2000's, homes were built in this underserved community, with minimal tree canopy. In fact, more than 90% of the homes were built on lots without trees. Twenty years later, little has changed. This fall we want to provide the opportunity for every homeowner to have a 15 gallon tree planted in their yard. There are over 200 homes without trees, help us transform the tree canopy of this historic community! 

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