Trees

Trees are an essential part of SPU's work because they slow and clean rainwater, protect salmon, provide habitat, make communities healthier and so much more!

Here are 5 ways you can partner with SPU to support trees:

1. Plant a free tree, volunteer to care for trees, and/or join a Tree Walk with our Trees for Neighborhoods program. Learn about our new urban tree nursery.
2. Learn about Green Stormwater Infrastructure (GSI) and how it helps collect, slow and treat rainwater. Trees are GSI too!
3. Pursue training in Sustainable Landscaping practices that are good for our health, our environment, and our trees!
4. Visit the Cedar River Watershed and learn more about the Cedar River Watershed Habitat Conservation Plan.
5. Understand SPU’s Climate Change strategy to cool urban neighborhoods, mitigate climate effects, adapt to climate changes, and prioritize environmental justice.

Trees and Stormwater

Trees play an important role in managing stormwater—they help us slow and clean it! Here is how:

• Trees both slow down and reduce the amount of rain flowing into storm drains by holding water in their leaves and branches, increasing how much water can infiltrate into the soil, and taking up water from the soil through their roots.
• Trees improve water quality by: 
  • reducing erosion; they keep soil particles from flowing down the drain;
  • filtering out pollution from the air and water and making healthier soils that can absorb (and filter!) more water.

Trees and the City of Seattle

SPU is one of many City departments working toward a goal to reach 30% tree canopy coverage within the City of Seattle by 2037. Interested in more City of Seattle resources about trees? Visit the Trees for Seattle website.