As the summer goes on, many Charlotte neighborhoods feel the rising temperatures the most along busy streets and areas with little shade. To help fight heat and bring more beauty to daily life, the City of Charlotte continues to promote its free street tree planting program—an effort that’s shaping cooler, greener, and more welcoming neighborhoods across the city.

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Why Street Trees Matter in a Warming City

Heat is one of the biggest challenges for urban areas. Pavement, buildings, and wide roads trap warmth, creating “hot spots” that can make walking, biking, and even running errands feel uncomfortable. Street trees offer a natural solution.

The simple presence of shade can change how a street feels. Under a healthy canopy of street trees, sidewalks stay cooler, and people are more likely to walk, wait for the bus, or enjoy spending time outside. Shade also helps protect infrastructure by reducing heat stress on roads and sidewalks.

How You Can Get Involved!

One of the easiest ways residents can support Charlotte’s growing tree canopy is by requesting a free street tree. The City of Charlotte offers free trees planted directly in the right‑of‑way planting strips—the grassy area between the sidewalk and the curb—or in the case of no sidewalk, the tree will be planted 4 feet from the back of the curb.

All you need to do is fill out the Street Tree Request Form. After you submit the form, an arborist from the city will visit your property to confirm whether a tree can be planted. If the area is eligible, your address will be added to the planting list!

Charlotte’s Landscape Management team handles everything else, including planting the tree and the ongoing maintenance to help it thrive. This means you get the benefits of a healthy, shade‑giving street tree without having to manage the planting or care on your own!

Residents can also call 311 or email landscapemanagement@charlottenc.gov if they have any questions.

Environmental Benefits Beyond Cooling

Charlotte’s street trees do much more than block the sun. They:
• Improve air quality by absorbing pollutants
• Reduce stormwater runoff and flooding by capturing rainfall
• Provide habitat for birds and other urban wildlife
• Store carbon, helping offset emissions citywide
• Make streets quieter by dampening noise

By planting and maintaining street trees, Charlotte supports a stronger and more resilient urban ecosystem.

Looking Ahead: A Cooler, Greener Charlotte

As Charlotte continues to grow, the street tree planting program helps ensure that the city grows responsibly, sustainably, and equitably. Each new tree is a long-term investment—one that will provide shade, cleaner air, and beauty for generations.

Charlotte’s commitment to planting and caring for street trees is shaping a cooler, greener future where every neighborhood can enjoy the benefits of a thriving urban canopy.