Trees are critical green infrastructure that provide ecosystem services including storm water management, reduction of the heat island effect, wildlife habitat, reduced air pollution, and increased property values. To quantify the benefits and better plan where trees should be planted, the City conducted Tree Canopy Analysis in 2019.

The report determined that Delray Beach's canopy has an average of 23% coverage, with some neighborhoods maintaining 29% canopy and others as low as 15%. The report recommended establishing a goal of 10,000 new trees in five years to raise the average canopy to 28%, reducing the disparity among neighborhoods and maintaining the health of the current urban forest through proactive maintenance, and increased training of city staff.

Click here to see the Tree Canopy Analysis. 

This map shows all the trees that were inventoried, and by clicking on an individual point, the information for a tree can be displayed.

An inventory of all the trees on City property was conducted and a report of this data, along with an Urban Forest Management Plan has been completed. The Tree Inventory and the UFMP provides background information useful in maintaining existing trees, and identifying remaining planting locations on City property.

• Delray Beach Urban Forest Management Plan (Part 1 of 2)
• Delray Beach Urban Forest Management Plan (Part 2 of 2)

The City adopted the “10,000 Trees by Year 2025” goal in 2020. By the end of the first year of this goal, the City planted 300 new trees in parks, 250 trees at local schools, 200 trees in rights-of-ways, and gave away 1,000 trees to residents at giveaway events. The project was substantially completed in June 2021.  

To continue the tree planting program, the City entered into an agreement with Community Greening on June 14, 2022. The agreement is for a one-year tree planting program, with 3 subsequent yearly options for renewals, to perform the additional plantings necessary to reach the 10,000 tree goal. This effort will be funded by the Tree Trust Fund.

Upcoming Events