{"id":135589,"date":"2025-06-24T15:10:24","date_gmt":"2025-06-24T18:10:24","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/www.lawnstarter.com\/blog\/?p=135589"},"modified":"2025-06-24T15:25:45","modified_gmt":"2025-06-24T18:25:45","slug":"counties-tree-cover-gain","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/www.lawnstarter.com\/blog\/studies\/counties-tree-cover-gain\/","title":{"rendered":"Two Decades of Growth: Tree Cover Gains in 1,800+ U.S. Counties"},"content":{"rendered":"<p>Which U.S. counties branched out with the biggest growth in tree cover in recent years?<\/p>    <p>To find out, <a href=\"https:\/\/www.lawnstarter.com\/\">LawnStarter<\/a> looked at tree cover changes across 3,119 U.S. counties between 2000 and 2020.&nbsp;<\/p>    <p>\ud83c\udf33 1,836 of the counties in our ranking had canopy growth, with an <strong>average increase<\/strong> of <strong>8.15%<\/strong>.&nbsp;<\/p>    <p>\ud83c\udfd9 Counties with major cities like <strong>New York<\/strong>, <strong>Philadelphia<\/strong>, and <strong>Dallas<\/strong> saw <strong>some tree cover growth<\/strong>.<\/p>    <p>\ud83c\udfe1 Counties with smaller cities like <strong>Overland Park, Kansas<\/strong> (No. 52), <strong>Boise, Idaho<\/strong> (No. 60), and <strong>Lincoln, Nebraska<\/strong> (No. 64), had among the<strong> biggest urban canopy gains<\/strong>.&nbsp;<\/p>    <p>Explore our ranking below. To learn how we ranked the counties, see our <a href=\"#methodology\">methodology<\/a>.<\/p>    <p>Notes:&nbsp;<\/p>    <ul class=\"wp-block-list\"> <li>1 kilo hectare (kha) = 2,471 acres.<\/li>    <li>Tree cover data from Global Forest Watch includes all forms of vegetation higher than 5 meters.<\/li> <\/ul>    <h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\">Contents<\/h2>    <ul class=\"wp-block-list\"> <li><a href=\"#top-five\">Top 5 Close Up<\/a><\/li>    <li><a href=\"#rankings\">County Rankings<\/a><\/li>    <li><a href=\"#overview\">Ranking Overview<\/a><\/li>    <li><a href=\"#urban-tree-canopies\">Urban Tree Canopies<\/a><\/li>    <li><a href=\"#expert-take\">Expert Take<\/a><\/li>    <li><a href=\"#methodology\">Behind the Ranking<\/a><\/li>    <li><a href=\"#final-thoughts\">Plant a Tree, Plant a Future<\/a><\/li> <\/ul>    <h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\" id=\"top-five\">Top 5 Close Up<\/h2>    <p>Check out the slideshow below for highlights on each of our top 5 counties with the most tree cover gain.<\/p>   <div style=\"--swiper-navigation-color: #00d084; min-height: 535px;; \" class=\"ub_image_slider swiper-container wp-block-ub-image-slider\" id=\"ub_image_slider_f5a24b07-18ec-414f-bac8-0a5544fb70ae\" data-swiper-data='{\"speed\":300,\"spaceBetween\":20,\"slidesPerView\":1,\"loop\":true,\"pagination\":{\"el\": \".swiper-pagination\" , \"type\": \"bullets\", \"clickable\":true},\"navigation\": {\"nextEl\": \".swiper-button-next\", \"prevEl\": \".swiper-button-prev\"}, \"keyboard\": { \"enabled\": true }, \"effect\": \"slide\",\"simulateTouch\":false}'>             <div class=\"swiper-wrapper\"><figure class=\"swiper-slide\">                 <img decoding=\"async\" src=\"https:\/\/www.lawnstarter.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/06\/5.png\" alt=\"Map of New Mexico highlighting tree cover gain\" style=\"height: 500px;; \">                 <figcaption class=\"ub_image_slider_image_caption\"><strong>No. 1: <\/strong>Lea County, NM | <strong>Overall score: <\/strong>95.15<br><br><strong>Net Change in Tree Cover 2000-2020 (in kha): <\/strong>0.6 | Rank: 1,655<br><strong>Net Change in Tree Cover 2000-2020 (%): <\/strong>1,300% | Rank: 1<br><\/figcaption>             <\/figure><figure class=\"swiper-slide\">                 <img decoding=\"async\" src=\"https:\/\/www.lawnstarter.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/06\/2.png\" alt=\"Map of Texas highlighting tree cover gain\" style=\"height: 500px;; \">                 <figcaption class=\"ub_image_slider_image_caption\"><strong>No. 2: <\/strong>Yoakum County, TX | <strong>Overall score: <\/strong>77.47<br><br><strong>Net Change in Tree Cover 2000-2020 (in kha): <\/strong>0.01 | Rank: 1,749<br><strong>Net Change in Tree Cover 2000-2020 (%): <\/strong>310% | Rank: 2<br><\/figcaption>             <\/figure><figure class=\"swiper-slide\">                 <img decoding=\"async\" src=\"https:\/\/www.lawnstarter.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/06\/1.png\" alt=\"Map of Alaska highlighting tree cover gain\" style=\"height: 500px;; \">                 <figcaption class=\"ub_image_slider_image_caption\"><strong>No. 3:<\/strong> Chugach Census Area, AK | <strong>Overall score: <\/strong>76.86<br><br><strong>Net Change in Tree Cover 2000-2020 (in kha): <\/strong>117 | Rank: 1<br><strong>Net Change in Tree Cover 2000-2020 (%): <\/strong>4.2% | Rank: 872<br><\/figcaption>             <\/figure><figure class=\"swiper-slide\">                 <img decoding=\"async\" src=\"https:\/\/www.lawnstarter.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/06\/4.png\" alt=\"Map of Alaska highlighting tree cover gain\" style=\"height: 500px;; \">                 <figcaption class=\"ub_image_slider_image_caption\"><strong>No. 4: <\/strong>Lake and Peninsula Borough, AK | <strong>Overall score: <\/strong>76.5<br><br><strong>Net Change in Tree Cover 2000-2020 (in kha): <\/strong>105<strong> <\/strong>| Rank: 2<br><strong>Net Change in Tree Cover 2000-2020 (%): <\/strong>12% | Rank: 238<br><\/figcaption>             <\/figure><figure class=\"swiper-slide\">                 <img decoding=\"async\" src=\"https:\/\/www.lawnstarter.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/06\/3.png\" alt=\"Map of Texas highlighting tree cover gain\" style=\"height: 500px;; \">                 <figcaption class=\"ub_image_slider_image_caption\"><strong>No. 5: <\/strong>Gaines County, TX | <strong>Overall score: <\/strong>76.22<br><br><strong>Net Change in Tree Cover 2000-2020 (in kha): <\/strong>0.04 | Rank: 1,697<br><strong>Net Change in Tree Cover 2000-2020 (%): <\/strong>240% | Rank: 3<br><\/figcaption>             <\/figure><\/div>             <div class=\"swiper-pagination\"><\/div>             <div class=\"swiper-button-prev\"><\/div> <div class=\"swiper-button-next\"><\/div>         <\/div>   <h3 class=\"wp-block-heading\">Top County Insights<\/h3>    <p>With population changes, <a href=\"https:\/\/nmpoliticalreport.com\/2024\/08\/06\/wildlife-refuge-expansion-reignites-30x30-debate-in-eastern-new-mexico\/#:~:text=The%202022%20Census,of%20this%20year.\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener\">decreasing<\/a> farmland and ranching practices, and revegetation of <a href=\"https:\/\/www.edf.org\/orphanwellmap\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener\">orphaned oil wells<\/a>, tree canopies are growing in some prairie and grassland regions.&nbsp;<\/p>    <ul class=\"wp-block-list\"> <li><strong>Lea County, New Mexico<\/strong> (No. 1), is among the <strong>25 largest U.S. counties<\/strong> by land area, with plenty of space for saplings to spread. It borders Texas\u2019 <strong>Yoakum County<\/strong> (No. 2) and <strong>Gaines County<\/strong> (No. 5) \u2014 these High Plains counties are <strong>major oil producers<\/strong> in the Permian Basin.<\/li> <\/ul>    <ul class=\"wp-block-list\"> <li>These three counties have the <strong>highest changes in tree cover by percentage<\/strong> <strong>of growth<\/strong>: 1,300% for Lea County, 310% for Yoakum, and 240% for Gaines. This jump in growth seems dramatic because these counties <strong>started off with small canopies<\/strong> in the first place. Over 1,660 other counties in our ranking experienced larger growth in terms of total canopy area.&nbsp;<\/li> <\/ul>    <ul class=\"wp-block-list\"> <li>13 Alaskan boroughs score among the top 50 counties that gained the most tree cover. <strong>Chugach Census Area<\/strong> (No. 3) saw the largest net change in tree cover \u2014 117 kilohectares, aka <strong>over 289,000 acres<\/strong>. However, in this vast forested borough, that equates to a <strong>canopy growth rate of 4.2%<\/strong>.<\/li> <\/ul>    <h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\" id=\"rankings\">County Rankings<\/h2>    <p>See how each county fared in our ranking:<\/p>   <div style=\"position: relative; width: 100%; height: 0px; padding: 93.75% 0px 0px; overflow: hidden; will-change: transform;\"><iframe loading=\"lazy\" src=\"https:\/\/e.infogram.com\/a0435b1c-494b-48ed-b496-59b557ff121b?src=embed&amp;embed_type=responsive_iframe\" title=\"LS: Ranking Table - 2025's Counties That Gained The Most Tree Cover\" allowfullscreen=\"\" allow=\"fullscreen\" style=\"position: absolute; width: 100%; height: 100%; top: 0px; left: 0px; border: none; padding: 0px; margin: 0px;\"><\/iframe><\/div>    <div style=\"min-height:570px\" id=\"datawrapper-vis-4w5U8\"><script type=\"text\/javascript\" defer src=\"https:\/\/datawrapper.dwcdn.net\/4w5U8\/embed.js\" charset=\"utf-8\" data-target=\"#datawrapper-vis-4w5U8\"><\/script><noscript><img decoding=\"async\" src=\"https:\/\/datawrapper.dwcdn.net\/4w5U8\/full.png\" alt=\"U.S. Map visualizing counties that gained the most tree cover\" \/><\/noscript><\/div>    <h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\" id=\"overview\">Ranking Overview<\/h2>    <p><strong>14 of the 25 most populated<\/strong> <strong>U.S. counties<\/strong> <strong>gained tree cover<\/strong>, including <strong>Kings County, New York<\/strong> (No. 991), <strong>Broward County, Florida<\/strong> (No. 144), and <strong>Wayne County, Michigan<\/strong> (No. 260) \u2014 home to <a href=\"https:\/\/www.lawnstarter.com\/brooklyn-ny-tree-care\">Brooklyn<\/a>, <a href=\"https:\/\/www.lawnstarter.com\/fort-lauderdale-fl-tree-care\">Fort Lauderdale<\/a>, and <a href=\"https:\/\/www.lawnstarter.com\/detroit-mi-lawn-care?v=bb\">Detroit<\/a>, respectively.<\/p>    <p>15 counties demonstrated <strong>no net change <\/strong>in tree cover over 2 decades, most being small communities with populations below 6,000. One exception is <strong>Cobb County, Georgia<\/strong> (No. 1,850), a community in the <a href=\"https:\/\/www.lawnstarter.com\/atlanta-ga-tree-care\">Atlanta<\/a> metropolitan area with <strong>over 750,000 residents<\/strong>.&nbsp;<\/p>    <p><strong>1,263 counties had receding forests<\/strong>, with an average decline of <strong>-5.44%<\/strong>. 378 of these counties had declines of -5% or more.<\/p>    <h3 class=\"wp-block-heading\">Bottom County Insights<\/h3>    <p>Counties in <strong>cold states<\/strong> like Alaska, Idaho, Washington, Montana, and Maine score among the bottom 10 with <strong>high rates of tree loss<\/strong>. <strong>Tree-killing pests<\/strong>, <strong>invasive plants<\/strong>, and, in some places, <strong>wildfires<\/strong> are to blame for most of the deforestation.&nbsp;<br><\/p>    <p>Apart from <strong>Shasta County, California<\/strong> (No. 3,111), the bottom 10 are among the 100 largest U.S. counties by land area.<\/p>    <ul class=\"wp-block-list\"> <li>The percentages of tree loss among the bottom 10 counties range from <strong>-3.9% <\/strong>in Aroostook County, Maine (No. 3,110) to <strong>-13% <\/strong>in Valley County, Idaho (No. 3,114).&nbsp;<\/li>    <li>The net loss in kilohectares among the bottom 10 ranges from <strong>-57 kha <\/strong>in Shasta County to <strong>-1,690 kha<\/strong> in Yukon-Koyukuk Census Area (No. 3,119) \u2014 aka <strong>140,847 acres<\/strong> to <strong>4.1 million acres<\/strong>.<\/li> <\/ul>    <h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\" id=\"urban-tree-canopies\">Urban Tree Canopies<\/h2>    <p>While human development is a major cause of tree loss, some urban regions have managed to branch out more between 2000 and 2020.<\/p>    <div style=\"min-height:647px\" id=\"datawrapper-vis-mjDui\"><script type=\"text\/javascript\" defer src=\"https:\/\/datawrapper.dwcdn.net\/mjDui\/embed.js\" charset=\"utf-8\" data-target=\"#datawrapper-vis-mjDui\"><\/script><noscript><img decoding=\"async\" src=\"https:\/\/datawrapper.dwcdn.net\/mjDui\/full.png\" alt=\"U.S Map visualizing the counties and cities that gained most tree cover\" \/><\/noscript><\/div>    <p>Some states have committed to conserving, restoring, and expanding their urban tree canopy.&nbsp;<\/p>    <ul class=\"wp-block-list\"> <li><strong>Hawaii<\/strong> pledged to plant, conserve, or restore <a href=\"https:\/\/us.1t.org\/pledge\/state-of-hawaii\/\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener\">100 million trees<\/a> before 2030.&nbsp;<\/li>    <li><strong>Wisconsin<\/strong> is committed to planting <a href=\"https:\/\/us.1t.org\/pledge\/state-of-wisconsin-forest-conservation-and-tree-planting-pledge\/\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener\">75 million trees<\/a> by 2030.<\/li>    <li><strong>Michigan<\/strong> pledged to plant <a href=\"https:\/\/us.1t.org\/pledge\/planting-50-million-trees-in-the-great-lakes-state\/\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener\">50 million trees<\/a> by 2030.<\/li>    <li><strong>Maryland<\/strong> vowed to plant <a href=\"https:\/\/us.1t.org\/pledge\/state-of-maryland-growing-five-million-trees-by-2030\/\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener\">5 million trees<\/a> by 2030.<\/li>    <li><strong>Washington<\/strong> state pledged to revitalize and grow <a href=\"https:\/\/us.1t.org\/pledge\/keeping-washington-evergreen\/\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener\">3 million acres<\/a> of forest by 2040.<\/li> <\/ul>    <p>Many local governments have taken tree planting matters into their own hands:<\/p>    <ul class=\"wp-block-list\"> <li><a href=\"https:\/\/www.lawnstarter.com\/houston-tx-tree-care\"><strong>Houston<\/strong><\/a> (No. 3,035) is working to plant <a href=\"https:\/\/us.1t.org\/pledge\/houston\/\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener\">4.6 million<\/a> native Texas trees by 2030.<\/li>    <li><a href=\"https:\/\/www.lawnstarter.com\/tucson-az-tree-care\"><strong>Tucson, Arizona<\/strong><\/a> (No. 2,515), is committed to planting <a href=\"https:\/\/us.1t.org\/pledge\/tucson-million-trees\/\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener\">1 million trees<\/a> by 2030.&nbsp;<\/li>    <li><strong>King County, Washington<\/strong> (No. 1,390), pledged to <a href=\"https:\/\/us.1t.org\/pledge\/3-million-trees\/\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener\">plant 500,000<\/a> and protect millions of existing trees.&nbsp;<\/li>    <li><a href=\"https:\/\/www.lawnstarter.com\/boise-id-tree-care\"><strong>Boise, Idaho<\/strong><\/a> (No. 60), pledged to plant <a href=\"https:\/\/us.1t.org\/pledge\/city-of-trees-challenge\/\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener\">335,000 trees<\/a> by 2030.&nbsp;<\/li>    <li><strong>Boynton Beach<\/strong> in Palm Beach County, Florida (No. 1,116), has committed to planting <a href=\"https:\/\/www.boynton-beach.org\/716\/Green-Programs\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener\">45,000 trees<\/a> by 2035.&nbsp;<\/li>    <li><a href=\"https:\/\/www.lawnstarter.com\/san-francisco-ca-tree-care\"><strong>San Francisco<\/strong><\/a> (No. 1,935) pledged to plant <a href=\"https:\/\/us.1t.org\/pledge\/sanfrancisco\/\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener\">30,000 trees<\/a> by 2040.<\/li>    <li><a href=\"https:\/\/www.lawnstarter.com\/phoenix-az-tree-care\"><strong>Phoenix<\/strong><\/a> (No. 3,026) is <a href=\"https:\/\/www.smartcitiesdive.com\/news\/phoenix-shade-plan-built-tree-canopy-extreme-heat\/736789\/\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener\">investing $60 million<\/a> to improve the city\u2019s tree cover and general access to shade.<\/li> <\/ul>    <h3 class=\"wp-block-heading\">[Infographic] Tree Cover Gain and Loss Among Biggest U.S. Cities<\/h3>   <div class=\"infogram-embed\" data-id=\"54e281f0-2da5-4a57-88ee-00c3415f4cdd\" data-type=\"interactive\" data-title=\"Tree cover gain and loss among biggest U.S. cities\"><\/div> <p><script>!function(e,n,i,s){var d=\"InfogramEmbeds\";var o=e.getElementsByTagName(n)[0];if(window[d]&&window[d].initialized)window[d].process&&window[d].process();else if(!e.getElementById(i)){var r=e.createElement(n);r.async=1,r.id=i,r.src=s,o.parentNode.insertBefore(r,o)}}(document,\"script\",\"infogram-async\",\"https:\/\/e.infogram.com\/js\/dist\/embed-loader-min.js\");<\/script><\/p>    <p id=\"expert-take\"><\/p>   <div id=\"experts-block\" class=\"experts\">     <h2 class=\"text-2xl font-bold text-black mb-3\">Expert Take<\/h2>    <p><span style=\"font-weight: 400\">We turned to a panel of experts to learn more about protecting and caring for U.S. forests. Explore their insights and tree care advice below.\u00a0<\/span><\/p> <ol> <li style=\"font-weight: 400\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400\">How can planting trees benefit homeowners?<\/span><\/li> <li style=\"font-weight: 400\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400\">What are 3 unexpected ways trees benefit the environment?<\/span><\/li> <li style=\"font-weight: 400\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400\">What are 3 main driving factors of tree loss in the U.S.?<\/span><\/li> <li style=\"font-weight: 400\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400\">Which U.S. tree species are most at risk from habitat loss or diseases?<\/span><\/li> <li style=\"font-weight: 400\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400\">What are 3 of the worst consequences resulting from tree loss?<\/span><\/li> <li style=\"font-weight: 400\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400\">What are 3 key steps to recovering from regional tree loss?<\/span><\/li> <li style=\"font-weight: 400\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400\">What are 3 animals that may be endangered due to tree loss in the U.S.?<\/span><\/li> <li style=\"font-weight: 400\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400\">What can regular folks do \u2014 if anything \u2014 to help trees that are affected by or susceptible to disease, pests, or other issues?<\/span><\/li> <\/ol>    <div id=\"experts-container\" class=\"relative lg:mt-6\" x-data=\"experts()\" x-init=\"init()\">      <style>       .expert-avatars {         scrollbar-width: none; 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expertIsFocused = true\">View Answers <svg xmlns=\"http:\/\/www.w3.org\/2000\/svg\" viewbox=\"0 0 20.243 13.501\" class=\"w-4 ml-2\">                 <path data-name=\"Icon ionic-ios-arrow-round-forward\" d=\"M12.909.258a.919.919 0 00-.007 1.294l4.275 4.282H.907a.914.914 0 000 1.828H17.17l-4.275 4.286a.925.925 0 00.007 1.294.91.91 0 001.287-.007l5.794-5.836a1.026 1.026 0 00.19-.288.872.872 0 00.07-.352.916.916 0 00-.26-.64L14.189.283a.9.9 0 00-1.28-.025z\" fill=\"#48a27a\" \/>               <\/svg><\/button>           <\/div>            <div             class=\"details fixed top-0 left-0 bg-white h-screen z-10 overflow-scroll w-screen lg:w-full lg:relative lg:h-auto\"             x-cloak x-show=\"focusedExpert == 'rajan-parajuli-phd-meredith-martin-phd-and-gary-blank-phd'\"             x-transition:enter=\"transition ease-out duration-100 transform\"             x-transition:enter-start=\"opacity-0 scale-95\"             x-transition:enter-end=\"opacity-100 scale-100\"             x-transition:leave=\"transition ease-in duration-75 transform\"             x-transition:leave-start=\"opacity-100 scale-100\"             x-transition:leave-end=\"opacity-0 scale-95\">              <div class=\"bg-theme-green p-4 mb-4 pb-20 relative text-white lg:bg-white lg:pb-0 lg:text-theme-green lg:mb-8\">               <button class=\"close-details mr-4 mt-2 absolute top-0 left-0 flex items-center ml-4 lg:mt-0 lg:ml-0\" x-on:click.stop=\"closeExpert('rajan-parajuli-phd-meredith-martin-phd-and-gary-blank-phd')\">                 <svg xmlns=\"http:\/\/www.w3.org\/2000\/svg\" viewbox=\"0 0 20.243 13.501\" class=\"w-6 mr-2 fill-current\">                   <path data-name=\"Icon ionic-ios-arrow-round-forward\" d=\"M7.334 13.243a.919.919 0 00.007-1.294L3.066 7.667h16.27a.914.914 0 000-1.828H3.073l4.275-4.286A.925.925 0 007.341.259a.91.91 0 00-1.287.007L.26 6.102a1.026 1.026 0 00-.19.288.872.872 0 00-.07.352.916.916 0 00.26.64l5.794 5.836a.9.9 0 001.28.025z\" \/>                 <\/svg> Close               <\/button>             <\/div>              <div class=\"item text-center px-4 w-full text-center -mt-20 relative z-20 pointer-events-none lg:hidden\">               <img decoding=\"async\" src=\"https:\/\/www.lawnstarter.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/06\/NC-State-University.png?wsr\" alt=\"North Carolina State University College of Natural Resources logo\" class=\"mt-0 mb-3 mx-auto w-32 h-32 object-cover rounded-full border-white border-4 shadow-xl\">               <div class=\"text-base leading-5 mb-2 text-black font-medium\">Rajan Parajuli, Ph.D., Meredith Martin, Ph.D, and Gary Blank, Ph.D. <\/div>               <div class=\"text-sm leading-5 mb-2 text-gray-800\">Associate Professors and Professor<\/div>               <div class=\"text-gray-600 text-sm\">North Carolina State University, College of Natural Resources, Department of Forestry and Environmental Resources<\/div>             <\/div>              <div class=\"px-4 lg:px-0\">               <p><b> How can planting trees benefit homeowners?<\/b><\/p> <p><span style=\"font-weight: 400\">While the benefits of planting trees always depend on the specifics of the site and species, generally speaking, trees provide numerous benefits to homeowners. Trees in urban settings have been shown to significantly reduce home heating and cooling costs, increase property values, create and improve biodiversity, mitigate air pollution, and regulate water quality and quantity, and add scenic values.<\/span><\/p> <p><b> What are three unexpected ways trees benefit the environment?<\/b><\/p> <p><span style=\"font-weight: 400\">Trees have a strong impact on local climate, and especially on water regulation, air regulation, and temperature regulation. Trees reduce the amount of precipitation that reaches soil surfaces, which in turn leads to fewer flooding events. They also act like pumps, bringing moisture up into the air, which contributes to a healthy water cycle. Tree cover in urban areas can significantly decrease energy usage for heating and cooling, which in turn reduces energy demand and greenhouse gas emissions. Trees also provide significant mitigation of air pollution. Tree leaves are excellent at capturing particulate matter pollution, which can lead to big improvements in human health as well.<\/span><\/p> <p><b> What are three main driving factors of tree loss in the U.S.?<\/b><\/p> <p><span style=\"font-weight: 400\">While there are certainly regional differences, the main driver is largely land use change (land converted to development and other uses such as agriculture), followed by extreme weather events (hurricanes and tornadoes), and insects &amp; pests infestation (such as Southern Pine Beetle, Emerald Ash Borer), with forest fire as the fourth main factor.<\/span><\/p> <p><b> Which U.S. tree species are most at risk from habitat loss or diseases?<\/b><\/p> <p><span style=\"font-weight: 400\">The most at-risk tree species in the U.S. are those that are being impacted by invasive pests and diseases. These include ash species being lost to the invasive Emerald ash borer, and Eastern and Carolina hemlock due to the invasive hemlock woolly adelgid. American beech is also being impacted by beech bark disease and beech leaf disease, which is extremely lethal.<\/span><\/p> <p><b> What are three of the worst consequences resulting from tree loss?<\/b><\/p> <p><span style=\"font-weight: 400\">In an urban or suburban setting, the loss of trees leads to additional costs and energy usage for heating and cooling, higher air and noise pollution, and of course, a loss of scenic beauty. On a broader scale, the loss of trees means a loss of carbon storage, wildlife habitat, and changes in the water cycle.<\/span><\/p> <p><span style=\"font-weight: 400\">\u00a0<\/span><b>What are three key steps to recovering from regional tree loss?<\/b><\/p> <p><span style=\"font-weight: 400\">One key step is to prevent further tree loss through better tree protection regulations around land-use conversion and development. Other tools are creating incentives for forest and tree conservation, such as the working forests program.\u00a0<\/span><\/p> <p><b> What are three animals that may be endangered due to tree loss in the U.S.?<\/b><\/p> <p><span style=\"font-weight: 400\">The group that is currently most threatened by forest habitat losses is birds. We have lost roughly one-quarter of all birds in the U.S. and Canada since 1970 (an estimated 2.9 billion birds), and these declines are expected to continue. Some species such as the Spotted Owl and Red Cocked Woodpeckers need very particular forest ecosystem structures, which require intensive management and restoration. Others require different successional stages, from very young forests to old-growth forests.<\/span><\/p> <p><b>What can regular folks do \u2014 if anything \u2014 to help trees that are affected by or susceptible to disease, pests, or other issues?<\/b><\/p> <p><span style=\"font-weight: 400\">One key is to make sure that you are not planting invasive species and to plant native species as much as possible. Many of our current pests and diseases were introduced through non-native ornamental plants, and many of these ornamental plants themselves have become invasive. There are lists of invasive species available to check, but planting natives is always a safer option and can contribute to native pollinator and wildlife habitats.<\/span><\/p>             <\/div>            <\/div>          <\/div>                <div           id=\"expert-lauren-grand\"           class=\"mb-10 border border-gray-200 p-4 cursor-pointer lg:block\"           x-bind:class=\"{'lg:border-theme-green block': focusedExpert == 'lauren-grand', 'hidden': focusedExpert != 'lauren-grand'}\"           @click=\"openExpert('lauren-grand', 'expert'); expertIsFocused = true\">            <div             x-bind:class=\"{'items-center': focusedExpert != 'lauren-grand', 'items-start': focusedExpert == 'lauren-grand'}\"             class=\"item mb-4 hidden lg:flex\"             @click=\"openExpert('lauren-grand', 'expert')\">              <img decoding=\"async\" src=\"https:\/\/www.lawnstarter.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/06\/Lauren-Grand.jpg?wsr\" alt=\"Lauren Grand\" class=\"m-0 mr-3 w-16 h-16 object-cover rounded-full lg:w-20 lg:h-20\">              <div>               <div                 x-bind:class=\"{'trim-label': focusedExpert != 'lauren-grand'}\"                 class=\"text-sm leading-5 mb-2 text-black font-medium\">Lauren Grand <\/div>               <div                 x-bind:class=\"{'trim-label': focusedExpert != 'lauren-grand'}\"                 class=\"text-sm leading-5 mb-2 text-gray-800\">Associate Professor of Practice<\/div>               <div                 x-bind:class=\"{'trim-label': focusedExpert != 'lauren-grand'}\"                 class=\"text-gray-600 text-sm\">Oregon State University<\/div>             <\/div>           <\/div>            <div             class=\"hidden lg:block\"             x-bind:class=\"{'lg:hidden': focusedExpert == 'lauren-grand'}\">             <button class=\"flex items-center text-theme-green open-details\" @click=\"openExpert('lauren-grand', 'expert'); expertIsFocused = true\">View Answers <svg xmlns=\"http:\/\/www.w3.org\/2000\/svg\" viewbox=\"0 0 20.243 13.501\" class=\"w-4 ml-2\">                 <path data-name=\"Icon ionic-ios-arrow-round-forward\" d=\"M12.909.258a.919.919 0 00-.007 1.294l4.275 4.282H.907a.914.914 0 000 1.828H17.17l-4.275 4.286a.925.925 0 00.007 1.294.91.91 0 001.287-.007l5.794-5.836a1.026 1.026 0 00.19-.288.872.872 0 00.07-.352.916.916 0 00-.26-.64L14.189.283a.9.9 0 00-1.28-.025z\" fill=\"#48a27a\" \/>               <\/svg><\/button>           <\/div>            <div             class=\"details fixed top-0 left-0 bg-white h-screen z-10 overflow-scroll w-screen lg:w-full lg:relative lg:h-auto\"             x-cloak x-show=\"focusedExpert == 'lauren-grand'\"             x-transition:enter=\"transition ease-out duration-100 transform\"             x-transition:enter-start=\"opacity-0 scale-95\"             x-transition:enter-end=\"opacity-100 scale-100\"             x-transition:leave=\"transition ease-in duration-75 transform\"             x-transition:leave-start=\"opacity-100 scale-100\"             x-transition:leave-end=\"opacity-0 scale-95\">              <div class=\"bg-theme-green p-4 mb-4 pb-20 relative text-white lg:bg-white lg:pb-0 lg:text-theme-green lg:mb-8\">               <button class=\"close-details mr-4 mt-2 absolute top-0 left-0 flex items-center ml-4 lg:mt-0 lg:ml-0\" x-on:click.stop=\"closeExpert('lauren-grand')\">                 <svg xmlns=\"http:\/\/www.w3.org\/2000\/svg\" viewbox=\"0 0 20.243 13.501\" class=\"w-6 mr-2 fill-current\">                   <path data-name=\"Icon ionic-ios-arrow-round-forward\" d=\"M7.334 13.243a.919.919 0 00.007-1.294L3.066 7.667h16.27a.914.914 0 000-1.828H3.073l4.275-4.286A.925.925 0 007.341.259a.91.91 0 00-1.287.007L.26 6.102a1.026 1.026 0 00-.19.288.872.872 0 00-.07.352.916.916 0 00.26.64l5.794 5.836a.9.9 0 001.28.025z\" \/>                 <\/svg> Close               <\/button>             <\/div>              <div class=\"item text-center px-4 w-full text-center -mt-20 relative z-20 pointer-events-none lg:hidden\">               <img decoding=\"async\" src=\"https:\/\/www.lawnstarter.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/06\/Lauren-Grand.jpg?wsr\" alt=\"Lauren Grand\" class=\"mt-0 mb-3 mx-auto w-32 h-32 object-cover rounded-full border-white border-4 shadow-xl\">               <div class=\"text-base leading-5 mb-2 text-black font-medium\">Lauren Grand <\/div>               <div class=\"text-sm leading-5 mb-2 text-gray-800\">Associate Professor of Practice<\/div>               <div class=\"text-gray-600 text-sm\">Oregon State University<\/div>             <\/div>              <div class=\"px-4 lg:px-0\">               <p><b>How can planting trees benefit homeowners?<\/b><\/p> <p><span style=\"font-weight: 400\">Planting trees around your home isn\u2019t just about adding beauty\u2014it can save you money. In the summer, trees provide shade that helps keep your house cool, while in the winter, they act as windbreaks, reducing heating costs. Trees boost property value and curb appeal, making your home more inviting. Beyond that, they improve air quality, reduce noise pollution, and create a more peaceful, healthier environment for you and your community.<\/span><\/p> <p><b>What are three unexpected ways trees benefit the environment?<\/b><\/p> <p><span style=\"font-weight: 400\">Trees do a lot more than just provide oxygen. Both living and dead trees offer food and shelter for all kinds of wildlife, from birds to insects. They also slow down rainwater, allowing it to soak into the ground rather than washing away soil, helping prevent erosion and landslides. Some trees even have a superpower called bioremediation, meaning they can absorb and break down pollutants in the soil and water, helping to clean up contaminated areas.<\/span><\/p> <p><b>What are the three main driving factors of tree loss in the U.S.?<\/b><\/p> <p><span style=\"font-weight: 400\">One major reason trees are disappearing is invasive pests and diseases, like the emerald ash borer and sudden oak death, which spread quickly because native trees haven\u2019t evolved defenses against them. Another big factor is wildfires\u2014hotter, more frequent fires are killing trees outright, making it harder for forests to regenerate. On top of that, climate change is adding stress, with rising temperatures, shifting rainfall patterns, and prolonged droughts weakening trees and making them more vulnerable to pests, disease, and fire.<\/span><\/p> <p><b>What are three of the worst consequences resulting from tree loss?<\/b><\/p> <p><span style=\"font-weight: 400\">When trees disappear, wildlife suffers. Many animals lose their food sources and shelter, and species that rely on specific trees can struggle to survive. Tree loss also damages water health, since trees naturally filter rainwater, prevent erosion, and keep streams flowing properly. In cities, fewer trees can mean more problems for people, too\u2014hotter temperatures, worse air quality, and even impacts on mental well-being. Trees play a huge role in keeping both nature and people thriving.<\/span><\/p> <p><b>What are three key steps to recovering from regional tree loss?<\/b><\/p> <p><span style=\"font-weight: 400\">Recovering from tree loss starts with education and awareness. When communities, landowners, and policymakers understand why trees are disappearing and how that decline can affect the environment, they can take action to protect and restore them. Learning about tree health, sustainable care, and the importance of planting native species helps create stronger, healthier landscapes. Another key step is planting the right tree in the right place. Choosing trees well-suited to the local climate, soil, and ecosystem ensures they thrive for years, providing shade, habitat, and beauty. Finally, preventing the spread of invasive pests and diseases is crucial. Monitoring for early signs of trouble, responsibly managing tree health, and promoting resistant species can help protect existing and newly planted trees. By taking these steps, we can ensure that trees continue to play their essential role in our environment.<\/span><\/p> <p><b>What can regular folks do \u2014 if anything \u2014 to help trees that are affected by or susceptible to disease, pests, or other issues?<\/b><\/p> <p><span style=\"font-weight: 400\">There are plenty of things regular folks can do to help trees stay healthy and fight off pests, diseases, and other issues. It starts with learning about common threats and how to prevent them. Simple actions, like using local firewood and respecting quarantine areas, go a long way in stopping the spread of invasive species. Following state guidelines and recommendations helps protect both individual trees and entire communities. Another big step is ensuring the right tree is planted in the right place. A well-suited tree to its environment can grow strong and naturally defend itself against pests, disease, and stress. Small, everyday choices can make a big difference in keeping our trees healthy for generations.<\/span><\/p>             <\/div>            <\/div>          <\/div>                <div           id=\"expert-ram-adhikari-phd\"           class=\"mb-10 border border-gray-200 p-4 cursor-pointer lg:block\"           x-bind:class=\"{'lg:border-theme-green block': focusedExpert == 'ram-adhikari-phd', 'hidden': focusedExpert != 'ram-adhikari-phd'}\"           @click=\"openExpert('ram-adhikari-phd', 'expert'); expertIsFocused = true\">            <div             x-bind:class=\"{'items-center': focusedExpert != 'ram-adhikari-phd', 'items-start': focusedExpert == 'ram-adhikari-phd'}\"             class=\"item mb-4 hidden lg:flex\"             @click=\"openExpert('ram-adhikari-phd', 'expert')\">              <img decoding=\"async\" src=\"https:\/\/www.lawnstarter.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/06\/Ram-Adhikari.jpg?wsr\" alt=\"Ram Adhikari\" class=\"m-0 mr-3 w-16 h-16 object-cover rounded-full lg:w-20 lg:h-20\">              <div>               <div                 x-bind:class=\"{'trim-label': focusedExpert != 'ram-adhikari-phd'}\"                 class=\"text-sm leading-5 mb-2 text-black font-medium\">Ram Adhikari, PhD <\/div>               <div                 x-bind:class=\"{'trim-label': focusedExpert != 'ram-adhikari-phd'}\"                 class=\"text-sm leading-5 mb-2 text-gray-800\">Assistant Professor<\/div>               <div                 x-bind:class=\"{'trim-label': focusedExpert != 'ram-adhikari-phd'}\"                 class=\"text-gray-600 text-sm\">Mississippi State University, College of Forest Resources<\/div>             <\/div>           <\/div>            <div             class=\"hidden lg:block\"             x-bind:class=\"{'lg:hidden': focusedExpert == 'ram-adhikari-phd'}\">             <button class=\"flex items-center text-theme-green open-details\" @click=\"openExpert('ram-adhikari-phd', 'expert'); expertIsFocused = true\">View Answers <svg xmlns=\"http:\/\/www.w3.org\/2000\/svg\" viewbox=\"0 0 20.243 13.501\" class=\"w-4 ml-2\">                 <path data-name=\"Icon ionic-ios-arrow-round-forward\" d=\"M12.909.258a.919.919 0 00-.007 1.294l4.275 4.282H.907a.914.914 0 000 1.828H17.17l-4.275 4.286a.925.925 0 00.007 1.294.91.91 0 001.287-.007l5.794-5.836a1.026 1.026 0 00.19-.288.872.872 0 00.07-.352.916.916 0 00-.26-.64L14.189.283a.9.9 0 00-1.28-.025z\" fill=\"#48a27a\" \/>               <\/svg><\/button>           <\/div>            <div             class=\"details fixed top-0 left-0 bg-white h-screen z-10 overflow-scroll w-screen lg:w-full lg:relative lg:h-auto\"             x-cloak x-show=\"focusedExpert == 'ram-adhikari-phd'\"             x-transition:enter=\"transition ease-out duration-100 transform\"             x-transition:enter-start=\"opacity-0 scale-95\"             x-transition:enter-end=\"opacity-100 scale-100\"             x-transition:leave=\"transition ease-in duration-75 transform\"             x-transition:leave-start=\"opacity-100 scale-100\"             x-transition:leave-end=\"opacity-0 scale-95\">              <div class=\"bg-theme-green p-4 mb-4 pb-20 relative text-white lg:bg-white lg:pb-0 lg:text-theme-green lg:mb-8\">               <button class=\"close-details mr-4 mt-2 absolute top-0 left-0 flex items-center ml-4 lg:mt-0 lg:ml-0\" x-on:click.stop=\"closeExpert('ram-adhikari-phd')\">                 <svg xmlns=\"http:\/\/www.w3.org\/2000\/svg\" viewbox=\"0 0 20.243 13.501\" class=\"w-6 mr-2 fill-current\">                   <path data-name=\"Icon ionic-ios-arrow-round-forward\" d=\"M7.334 13.243a.919.919 0 00.007-1.294L3.066 7.667h16.27a.914.914 0 000-1.828H3.073l4.275-4.286A.925.925 0 007.341.259a.91.91 0 00-1.287.007L.26 6.102a1.026 1.026 0 00-.19.288.872.872 0 00-.07.352.916.916 0 00.26.64l5.794 5.836a.9.9 0 001.28.025z\" \/>                 <\/svg> Close               <\/button>             <\/div>              <div class=\"item text-center px-4 w-full text-center -mt-20 relative z-20 pointer-events-none lg:hidden\">               <img decoding=\"async\" src=\"https:\/\/www.lawnstarter.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/06\/Ram-Adhikari.jpg?wsr\" alt=\"Ram Adhikari\" class=\"mt-0 mb-3 mx-auto w-32 h-32 object-cover rounded-full border-white border-4 shadow-xl\">               <div class=\"text-base leading-5 mb-2 text-black font-medium\">Ram Adhikari, PhD <\/div>               <div class=\"text-sm leading-5 mb-2 text-gray-800\">Assistant Professor<\/div>               <div class=\"text-gray-600 text-sm\">Mississippi State University, College of Forest Resources<\/div>             <\/div>              <div class=\"px-4 lg:px-0\">               <p><b> How can planting trees benefit homeowners?<\/b><\/p> <p><span style=\"font-weight: 400\">You can sell the logs, lops, tops, or branches to sawmills or chip mills. There are also many nonmarket values. You can enjoy the cool air provided by shady trees and the visual appearance provided by those tree patches around your home. It can sequester carbon which is good for combating climate change. If the planted trees do not go too tall, they can work as windbreaks for windy months and provide shade for summer months.<\/span><\/p> <p><b> What are three unexpected ways trees benefit the environment?<\/b><\/p> <p><span style=\"font-weight: 400\">Trees provide refuge to many arthropods and birds. They absorb air pollutants such as carbon monoxide, sulfur dioxide, particulate matter, ozone, lead, and nitrogen dioxide around your home. They can also prevent landslides by protecting the soil from heavy rainfall.<\/span><\/p> <p><span style=\"font-weight: 400\">\u00a0<\/span><b>What are three main driving factors of tree loss in the U.S.?<\/b><\/p> <p><span style=\"font-weight: 400\">Urban expansion has caused a lot of forested land to be converted into developed land. Increased commodity prices such as agriculture or biomass crops incentivized forest landowners to convert their forestlands or cut trees and use those lands to cultivate those valuable crops. In my experience, the third one is wildfire. Every year wildfires burn thousands of acres of forest lands in the United States.<\/span><\/p> <p><b> Which U.S. tree species are most at risk from habitat loss or diseases?<\/b><\/p> <p><span style=\"font-weight: 400\">Based on my research and reading, tree species that are most at risk from habitat loss or diseases include ash trees (Fraxinus spp.), oak trees (Quercus spp.), and long-leaf pine (Pinus palustris).<\/span><\/p> <p><b> What are three of the worst consequences resulting from tree loss?<\/b><\/p> <ol> <li><span style=\"font-weight: 400\">There will not be enough raw materials for forest-based industries.\u00a0<\/span><\/li> <li style=\"font-weight: 400\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400\">People will observe and feel drastic changes in microclimate.\u00a0<\/span><\/li> <li style=\"font-weight: 400\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400\">Natural ecosystems will be further degraded by the presence of exotic invasive plants and insects.<\/span><\/li> <\/ol> <p><b> What are three key steps to recovering from regional tree loss?<\/b><\/p> <p><span style=\"font-weight: 400\">Three key steps can be to set aside certain forests as reserve forests, conserving keystone species and iconic ecosystems; encourage farm policies that promote land-use diversifications, not agricultural intensifications; and promote urban forestry.<\/span><\/p> <p><b> What are three animals that may be endangered due to tree loss in the U.S.?<\/b><\/p> <p><span style=\"font-weight: 400\">In my opinion, the three animals that are endangered due to tree loss include the Mexican wolf, Florida panther, and Gopher tortoise.<\/span><\/p> <p><b> What can regular folks do \u2014 if anything \u2014 to help trees that are affected by or susceptible to disease, pests, or other issues?<\/b><\/p> <p><span style=\"font-weight: 400\">Be vigilant about your plant species, and if you see any diseases or insect infestations, report them to the proper agencies immediately. Disease or pest management is not an individual\u2019s problem; it is a collective problem and has to be managed collectively.<\/span><\/p>             <\/div>            <\/div>          <\/div>                <div           id=\"expert-annakay-abrahams\"           class=\"mb-10 border border-gray-200 p-4 cursor-pointer lg:block\"           x-bind:class=\"{'lg:border-theme-green block': focusedExpert == 'annakay-abrahams', 'hidden': focusedExpert != 'annakay-abrahams'}\"           @click=\"openExpert('annakay-abrahams', 'expert'); expertIsFocused = true\">            <div             x-bind:class=\"{'items-center': focusedExpert != 'annakay-abrahams', 'items-start': focusedExpert == 'annakay-abrahams'}\"             class=\"item mb-4 hidden lg:flex\"             @click=\"openExpert('annakay-abrahams', 'expert')\">              <img decoding=\"async\" src=\"https:\/\/www.lawnstarter.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/06\/Annakay-Abrahams.jpg?wsr\" alt=\"Annakay Abrahams\" class=\"m-0 mr-3 w-16 h-16 object-cover rounded-full lg:w-20 lg:h-20\">              <div>               <div                 x-bind:class=\"{'trim-label': focusedExpert != 'annakay-abrahams'}\"                 class=\"text-sm leading-5 mb-2 text-black font-medium\">Annakay Abrahams <\/div>               <div                 x-bind:class=\"{'trim-label': focusedExpert != 'annakay-abrahams'}\"                 class=\"text-sm leading-5 mb-2 text-gray-800\">Assistant Professor and  Extension Specialist<\/div>               <div                 x-bind:class=\"{'trim-label': focusedExpert != 'annakay-abrahams'}\"                 class=\"text-gray-600 text-sm\">Auburn University, Alabama Cooperative Extension System, College of Forestry, Wildlife and Environment<\/div>             <\/div>           <\/div>            <div             class=\"hidden lg:block\"             x-bind:class=\"{'lg:hidden': focusedExpert == 'annakay-abrahams'}\">             <button class=\"flex items-center text-theme-green open-details\" @click=\"openExpert('annakay-abrahams', 'expert'); expertIsFocused = true\">View Answers <svg xmlns=\"http:\/\/www.w3.org\/2000\/svg\" viewbox=\"0 0 20.243 13.501\" class=\"w-4 ml-2\">                 <path data-name=\"Icon ionic-ios-arrow-round-forward\" d=\"M12.909.258a.919.919 0 00-.007 1.294l4.275 4.282H.907a.914.914 0 000 1.828H17.17l-4.275 4.286a.925.925 0 00.007 1.294.91.91 0 001.287-.007l5.794-5.836a1.026 1.026 0 00.19-.288.872.872 0 00.07-.352.916.916 0 00-.26-.64L14.189.283a.9.9 0 00-1.28-.025z\" fill=\"#48a27a\" \/>               <\/svg><\/button>           <\/div>            <div             class=\"details fixed top-0 left-0 bg-white h-screen z-10 overflow-scroll w-screen lg:w-full lg:relative lg:h-auto\"             x-cloak x-show=\"focusedExpert == 'annakay-abrahams'\"             x-transition:enter=\"transition ease-out duration-100 transform\"             x-transition:enter-start=\"opacity-0 scale-95\"             x-transition:enter-end=\"opacity-100 scale-100\"             x-transition:leave=\"transition ease-in duration-75 transform\"             x-transition:leave-start=\"opacity-100 scale-100\"             x-transition:leave-end=\"opacity-0 scale-95\">              <div class=\"bg-theme-green p-4 mb-4 pb-20 relative text-white lg:bg-white lg:pb-0 lg:text-theme-green lg:mb-8\">               <button class=\"close-details mr-4 mt-2 absolute top-0 left-0 flex items-center ml-4 lg:mt-0 lg:ml-0\" x-on:click.stop=\"closeExpert('annakay-abrahams')\">                 <svg xmlns=\"http:\/\/www.w3.org\/2000\/svg\" viewbox=\"0 0 20.243 13.501\" class=\"w-6 mr-2 fill-current\">                   <path data-name=\"Icon ionic-ios-arrow-round-forward\" d=\"M7.334 13.243a.919.919 0 00.007-1.294L3.066 7.667h16.27a.914.914 0 000-1.828H3.073l4.275-4.286A.925.925 0 007.341.259a.91.91 0 00-1.287.007L.26 6.102a1.026 1.026 0 00-.19.288.872.872 0 00-.07.352.916.916 0 00.26.64l5.794 5.836a.9.9 0 001.28.025z\" \/>                 <\/svg> Close               <\/button>             <\/div>              <div class=\"item text-center px-4 w-full text-center -mt-20 relative z-20 pointer-events-none lg:hidden\">               <img decoding=\"async\" src=\"https:\/\/www.lawnstarter.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/06\/Annakay-Abrahams.jpg?wsr\" alt=\"Annakay Abrahams\" class=\"mt-0 mb-3 mx-auto w-32 h-32 object-cover rounded-full border-white border-4 shadow-xl\">               <div class=\"text-base leading-5 mb-2 text-black font-medium\">Annakay Abrahams <\/div>               <div class=\"text-sm leading-5 mb-2 text-gray-800\">Assistant Professor and  Extension Specialist<\/div>               <div class=\"text-gray-600 text-sm\">Auburn University, Alabama Cooperative Extension System, College of Forestry, Wildlife and Environment<\/div>             <\/div>              <div class=\"px-4 lg:px-0\">               <p><b>How can planting trees benefit homeowners?<\/b><\/p> <p><span style=\"font-weight: 400\">Trees can provide shade and reduce the amount of heat in the home which in turn helps homeowners to save money on electricity for cooling. If planted in the right areas, trees can also block winter winds. Planting trees can also minimize flood damage and improve air quality. In some instances, trees planted on a property can increase its value. <\/span><span style=\"font-weight: 400\"><br \/> <\/span><b>What are three unexpected ways trees benefit the environment?<\/b><\/p> <p><span style=\"font-weight: 400\">Planting trees creates jobs and is an important economic driver in many areas. Trees provide a habitat for many organisms. Trees and time spent in nature can boost mental health and have been found to reduce anxiety and depression as well as improve certain health conditions such as heart disease. <\/span><span style=\"font-weight: 400\"><br \/> <\/span><b>What are three main driving factors of tree loss in the U.S.?<\/b><\/p> <p><span style=\"font-weight: 400\">Urbanization, harvesting for different commodities such as lumber, and tree pests and diseases or natural disasters.<\/span><span style=\"font-weight: 400\"><br \/> <\/span><b>Which U.S. tree species are most at risk from habitat loss or diseases?<\/b><\/p> <p><span style=\"font-weight: 400\">A few different species are at risk of extinction due to non-native pests and pathogens. American beech, American elm, Eastern hemlock, and North American ash are a few species that are at risk. The loss of these species not only has impacts on climate but also on the ecosystem. <\/span><span style=\"font-weight: 400\"><br \/> <\/span><b>What are three of the worst consequences resulting from tree loss?<\/b><\/p> <p><span style=\"font-weight: 400\">Climate change, loss of biodiversity, economic loss.<\/span><\/p> <p><b>What are three key steps to recovering from regional tree loss?<\/b><\/p> <p><span style=\"font-weight: 400\">Reforestation initiatives. Engaging policymakers, companies, and communities to educate themselves on sustainable approaches to further reduce deforestation and involve them in reforestation initiatives.\u00a0<\/span><\/p> <p><b>What can regular folks do \u2014 if anything \u2014 to help trees that are affected by or susceptible to disease, pests, or other issues?<\/b><\/p> <p><span style=\"font-weight: 400\">Report concerning tree damage to agencies or professionals that can assess the issue. The USDA, Forest Service, Extension Personnel, University, etc.<\/span><\/p>             <\/div>            <\/div>          <\/div>              <\/div> <\/div>   <h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\" id=\"methodology\">Behind the Ranking<\/h2>    <p>For 3,119 counties with available data, we gathered data for the Net Percentage Change in Tree Cover and Net Change in Tree Cover (in kha).&nbsp;<\/p>    <p>Finally, we calculated scores (out of 100 points) for each county to determine its rank in each factor and overall. A county\u2019s Overall Score is the average of its scores.&nbsp;<\/p>    <p>The highest Overall Score ranked \u201cMost Tree Gain\u201d (No. 1) and the lowest \u201cLeast Tree Gain\u201d (No. 3,119).<\/p>   <div class=\"wp-block-ub-content-toggle wp-block-ub-content-toggle-block\" id=\"ub-content-toggle-block-c11d4c7b-6ac3-43db-92dc-5bc4e1bb259f\" data-mobilecollapse=\"true\" data-desktopcollapse=\"true\" data-preventcollapse=\"false\" data-showonlyone=\"false\"> <div class=\"wp-block-ub-content-toggle-accordion\" style=\"border-color: #f1f1f1; \" id=\"ub-content-toggle-panel-block-\"> \t\t\t<div class=\"wp-block-ub-content-toggle-accordion-title-wrap\" style=\"background-color: #f1f1f1;\" aria-controls=\"ub-content-toggle-panel-0-c11d4c7b-6ac3-43db-92dc-5bc4e1bb259f\" tabindex=\"0\"> \t\t\t<p class=\"wp-block-ub-content-toggle-accordion-title ub-content-toggle-title-c11d4c7b-6ac3-43db-92dc-5bc4e1bb259f\" style=\"color: #000000; \">Notes<\/p> \t\t\t<div class=\"wp-block-ub-content-toggle-accordion-toggle-wrap right\" style=\"color: #000000;\"><span class=\"wp-block-ub-content-toggle-accordion-state-indicator wp-block-ub-chevron-down\"><\/span><\/div> \t\t<\/div> \t\t\t<div role=\"region\" aria-expanded=\"false\" class=\"wp-block-ub-content-toggle-accordion-content-wrap ub-hide\" id=\"ub-content-toggle-panel-0-c11d4c7b-6ac3-43db-92dc-5bc4e1bb259f\">  <ul class=\"wp-block-list\"> <li>The \u201cLeast Tree Gain\u201d among individual factors may not be No. 3,119 due to ties.<\/li>    <li>We removed some counties most impacted by wildfires after 2020, including: <ul class=\"wp-block-list\"> <li>California: Kern, Los Angeles, Orange, San Mateo, Santa Clara, and Ventura<\/li>    <li>Hawaii: Maui<\/li>    <li>New Mexico: Taos<\/li>    <li>Virginia: Rockbridge<\/li> <\/ul> <\/li> <\/ul>  <\/div> \t\t<\/div> <\/div>  <div style=\"position: relative; width: 100%; height: 0px; padding: 39.25% 0px 0px; overflow: hidden; will-change: transform;\"><iframe loading=\"lazy\" src=\"https:\/\/e.infogram.com\/78f00102-d363-4c15-82d2-9a0820f5834b?src=embed&amp;embed_type=responsive_iframe\" title=\"LL: Methodology Table - 2025's Counties That Gained The Most Tree Cover\" allowfullscreen=\"\" allow=\"fullscreen\" style=\"position: absolute; width: 100%; height: 100%; top: 0px; left: 0px; border: none; padding: 0px; margin: 0px;\"><\/iframe><\/div>    <h3 class=\"wp-block-heading\">Sources<\/h3>    <p><em>Global Forest Watch<\/em><\/p>    <h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\" id=\"final-thoughts\">Plant a Tree, Plant a Future<\/h2>    <p><a href=\"https:\/\/www.smartcitiesdive.com\/news\/Smart-Cities-Coalition-resource-strengthen-tree-canopies-climate-resilience\/746486\/\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener\">Urban tree canopies<\/a> can reduce energy usage, help with managing stormwater, and improve air quality.<\/p>    <p>It costs an <a href=\"https:\/\/www.lawnstarter.com\/blog\/cost\/cost-to-plant-tree\/\">average of $300<\/a> to plant a tree, but many local organizations occasionally host free sapling programs and giveaways.&nbsp;<\/p>    <p>Make the most of your growing canopy with our tips below.&nbsp;<\/p>    <ul class=\"wp-block-list\"> <li>Landscape with <a href=\"https:\/\/www.lawnstarter.com\/blog\/tree-care\/best-drought-tolerant-trees\/\">drought-tolerant trees<\/a>.<\/li>    <li>Spread <a href=\"https:\/\/www.lawnstarter.com\/blog\/landscaping\/how-to-mulch-around-trees\/\">mulch around your trees<\/a> to prevent <a href=\"https:\/\/www.lawnstarter.com\/blog\/tree-care\/signs-of-drought-stress-in-trees\/\">drought stress<\/a> and weed growth.<\/li>    <li>Add a pop of color to your landscape with <a href=\"https:\/\/www.lawnstarter.com\/blog\/landscaping\/flowering-trees-to-transform-your-yard\/\">flowering trees<\/a>.<\/li>    <li>Keep an eye out for <a href=\"https:\/\/www.lawnstarter.com\/blog\/pest-control\/how-to-get-rid-of-japanese-beetles\/\">Japanese beetles<\/a> and other pests that damage trees.<\/li>    <li>Opt for <a href=\"https:\/\/www.lawnstarter.com\/blog\/landscaping\/best-wind-resistant-trees\/\">wind-resistant trees<\/a> if you live in an area prone to high wind speeds, stormy weather, and tornadoes.&nbsp;<\/li>    <li>Safely <a href=\"https:\/\/www.lawnstarter.com\/blog\/tree-care\/how-to-transplant-tree\/\">transplant a tree<\/a> to a better location instead of cutting it down.&nbsp;<\/li>    <li>Make sure to <a href=\"https:\/\/www.lawnstarter.com\/blog\/tree-care\/how-to-trim-a-tree\/\">trim dead or infested<\/a> tree branches.&nbsp;<\/li> <\/ul>    <p><a href=\"https:\/\/www.lawnstarter.com\/\"><em>Hire a local LawnStarter pro<\/em><\/a><em> to help keep your backyard canopy healthy, happy, and growing.<\/em><\/p>    <h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\" id=\"media-resources\">Media Resources<\/h2>    <ul class=\"wp-block-list\"> <li><a href=\"https:\/\/docs.google.com\/spreadsheets\/d\/1DAez0eoaXqlbpkyhL553MwV4C0eEHQeRndj6mexkXWs\/edit#gid=0\">High-resolution images of cities<\/a><\/li> <\/ul>    <p><strong>Main photo credit:<\/strong><a href=\"https:\/\/stock.adobe.com\/images\/planting-a-family-tree-little-boy-helping-his-grandfather-to-plant-the-tree-while-working-together-in-the-garden-fun-little-gardener-spring-concept-nature-and-care\/415542735\"> maxbelchenko<\/a> \/ Adobe Stock \/ <a href=\"https:\/\/stock.adobe.com\/license-terms\">License<\/a><\/p>    <p><\/p>","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"<p>Which U.S. counties saw the biggest growth in tree cover between 2000 and 2020? Explore tree cover gain and loss across over 3,100 U.S. counties.<\/p>\n","protected":false},"author":100,"featured_media":135593,"comment_status":"closed","ping_status":"closed","sticky":false,"template":"","format":"standard","meta":{"_acf_changed":false,"footnotes":""},"categories":[853],"tags":[1472],"class_list":["post-135589","post","type-post","status-publish","format-standard","has-post-thumbnail","hentry","category-studies","tag-studies"],"acf":[],"featured_image_src":"https:\/\/www.lawnstarter.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/06\/Untitled-design-1.jpg?wsr","author_info":{"display_name":"Sav Maive","author_link":"https:\/\/www.lawnstarter.com\/blog\/author\/sav-maive\/"},"yoast_head":"<!-- This site is optimized with the Yoast SEO plugin v27.6 - https:\/\/yoast.com\/product\/yoast-seo-wordpress\/ -->\n<title>Two Decades of Growth: Tree Cover Gains in 1,800+ U.S. Counties<\/title>\n<meta name=\"description\" content=\"Which U.S. counties saw the biggest growth in tree cover between 2000 and 2020? 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