The Chicago Region Trees Initiative Homepage

Maps

Using data to target priority areas

Trees improve quality of life. To identify which areas have the most needs, we combined canopy cover, surface temperature, air quality, flood risk, health, and social vulnerability data into maps. See your community’s canopy cover and how it impacts your neighborhood.

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Tree Canopy

Trees in the Chicago region are not distributed evenly or equitably. The Chicago region has 23% canopy cover, far below the national average.

This map shows the percentage of canopy for each census tract. Tree canopy data comes from a LiDAR-based analysis that can identify trees with less than a four-square-foot canopy.

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Temperature
Canopy cover
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  • High
  • Medium
  • Low
  • Very Low

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Temperature

Temperature

Trees keep our neighborhoods cool.

Urban areas tend to be hotter because concrete and other built surfaces absorb the sun’s energy and release it as heat, raising temperatures to dangerously high levels that make cities less livable and require more energy for cooling.

This map shows the average temperature for each community. There is a direct correlation between canopy cover and excessive heat; areas with more trees tend to be much cooler. Temperature data were derived from a satellite image that was taken in September of 2014.

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Flood Risk
Surface temperature
  • Very High
  • High
  • Medium
  • Low
  • Very Low

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Flood Risk

Flood Risk

Trees intercept stormwater and reduce stormwater runoff.

Their leaves hold rainwater, preventing it from entering the sewage system. Trees also remove water from the ground in a process known as evapotranspiration.

This map shows how susceptible each community is to flooding. Higher values indicate more susceptible areas.

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Air Quality
Flood risk
  • Very High
  • High
  • Medium
  • Low
  • Very Low

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Air Quality

Air Quality

Trees help keep our air clean and breathable.

Their leaves intercept airborne pollutants and store carbon. Trees that are planted in areas that have poor air quality can improve the health of residents.

This map shows air toxins as measured by the Environmental Protection Agency. Higher numbers indicate areas with more airborne toxins.

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Vulnerable Populations
Air pollutants
  • Very High
  • High
  • Medium
  • Low
  • Very Low

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Vulnerable Populations

Vulnerable Populations

Trees can also improve people’s quality of life.

They increase property values, and people who live around trees are healthier and happier. The benefits that trees provide are especially needed in underserved, vulnerable communities. This data set identifies which tree census block groups are the most vulnerable by distinguishing those with low incomes, non-English-speaking, and a high proportion of minority populations.

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Priority Areas
Vulnerability rank
  • Very High
  • High
  • Medium
  • Low
  • Very Low

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Priority Areas

Priority Areas

To identify areas that have the highest need for improved tree canopy and its related benefits, we combined all of the above variables.

Equipped with this knowledge, CRTI can tailor programs, events, and training programs to improve the urban forest where it is needed the most.

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Tree Canopy
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