Chicago's Our Roots Chicago initiative aims to plant 75,000 trees by 2027 with priority for low-canopy neighborhoods on the South and West sides. The Tree Master Plan and CDPH heat-vulnerability data steer plantings toward equity-priority blocks.
Our Roots Chicago, launched in 2022, formalizes urban-forest equity goals first identified in the 2020 Chicago Tree Master Plan. The city committed $46 million to plant 75,000 trees by 2027, weighted heavily toward South and West Side communities like Englewood, Austin, North Lawndale, and Riverdale where canopy cover falls below 10 percent versus 20 percent citywide. The Bureau of Forestry uses Tree Equity Score data and CDPH heat-vulnerability mapping to prioritize blocks. Free trees include parkway plantings and yard-tree giveaways through partner organizations like Openlands. The plan also funds expanded crews, GIS tracking, and a five-year care commitment so newly planted trees reach establishment without die-off.
Our Roots Chicago is a planting program, not a regulation, so there are no civil violations. Damaging or removing newly planted equity trees triggers MCC 10-32-100 fines of $1,000 plus replacement costs from the program.
Chicago, IL
Chicago's Climate Action Plan and Our Roots Chicago plan target a 30% citywide tree canopy by 2050, paired with cool-roof mandates and reflective alley progr...
Chicago, IL
Chicago Bureau of Forestry under MCC 10-32 owns and manages all parkway trees. Residents may not plant on the parkway without permission; approved species co...
Chicago, IL
Chicago does not have a formal heritage tree or landmark tree ordinance. However, parkway trees of significant size or age receive practical protection throu...
See how Chicago's urban forest equity rules stack up against other locations.
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