Tree Equity

The City of Toronto is implementing an equity-based approach to address uneven tree canopy distribution at the community level while working towards the City’s target of 40 per cent canopy cover. Toronto was the first municipality in Canada to utilize a tree equity approach to prioritize canopy growth at the neighbourhood scale. Studies show that low tree cover overlaps with socio-economic and environmental needs. The tree equity approach uses several equity factors, together with land cover and population density data, to generate a tree equity score.

What Is The Tree Equity Score Analyzer?

The Tree Equity Score Analyzer (TESA) for Toronto is a free, online interactive tool available to the public. It was developed as part of a joint effort between the City of Toronto, American Forests, Local Enhancement and Appreciation of Forests (LEAF) and various local parties from government, environmental and public health sectors. 

The TESA tool allows users to explore neighbourhoods across the city to see tree equity scores at the Census Tract level. Scores range from zero to 100, representing the levels of tree equity at the community level:

• Lower tree scores indicate fewer trees and neighbourhoods with a greater need for tree equity.
• Higher tree scores (closer to 100) indicate more trees and neighbourhoods that enjoy good tree equity.

The tool analyzes land cover data with demographic and socio-economic data to identify opportunities for canopy expansion at the neighbourhood scale. The tree equity score indicates whether a neighbourhood has enough trees, so that everyone can experience the health, environmental and economic benefits that trees provide.

How It Helps Tree Planting and Stewardship in Neighbourhoods

The tool allows residents and local communities to:

• Explore tree equity scores across neighbourhoods.
• Identify areas with the greatest priority for tree planting.
• Develop scenarios for planting strategically in neighbourhoods and use a planting forecast feature to understand impact.
• Provide the data to help inform tree planting and stewardship to grow the urban forest.