Our Urban Forest & Climate
Why the Urban Forest Matters in Edmonds
Trees would be important even if there weren’t climate change. They are an integral part of our natural environment. But, because of climate change, they provide several essential services: carbon storage, shade, wind-break, food and shelter for birds and other animals.
Trees from Yost and Meadowvale Beach Park.
🌳Preserving Existing Trees
The City currently has in place an Interim Tree Code Plan to protect our existing Landmark trees. It is in effect until October, 2026. The details are listed HERE. Please note: Exhibit A which lays out a Work Plan for completing a Permanent Tree Code has been replaced by a new Work Plan with details HERE.
🌱Planting and Canopy Expansion
An assessment was published in 2024 on Edmonds’ Tree Canopy. It listed possible alternatives for planting trees in Edmonds. The findings will enable the City to refine canopy goals and aid in establishing the best policies going forward.
One correction to the report: Although the numbers in the chart on Page 1 are correct, on Page 2, the number of trees to be planted to maintain the canopy at 32% is incorrectly reported to be 325. It should be 220.
Read the full report HERE.
🗾Tree Mapping and Data
Trees and their forests are a vital source of benefits to the community. The collective ecosystem of trees provides climate benefits that often go under appreciated and undervalued. The CAB has initiated a project to understand the long term change in the Edmonds canopy. Using the latest science, the CAB is utilizing aerial imaging from various government agencies and municipalities to measure when and how the tree canopy has evolved.
📜Tree Code & Policy
The City’s Tree Code is being revised. See details of the Tree Code Work Plan HERE.
🤝Community Partnerships
The Climate Advisory Board (CAB) works to ensure that climate considerations — including mitigation, heat impacts, canopy equity, and long-term resilience — are recognized and integrated into decisions about Edmonds’ urban forest. This includes advisory input related to tree mapping and updates to City policy.
Friends of Edmonds Trees (FOET) is a separate community organization focused on urban tree stewardship and public education. FOET has been especially engaged in community awareness and advocacy related to the City’s developing Permanent Tree Code, and offers educational resources such as the Edmonds Tree Walk.
While CAB brings a climate lens to policy discussions, FOET provides focused stewardship and educational leadership. Together, these complementary efforts support a healthy and resilient urban forest.
Hutt Park, Edmonds
🔭Explore Edmonds’ Trees
Discover local tree species and neighborhood history through the Edmonds Tree Walk, created by Friends of Edmonds Trees. (FOET).
📖Trees . . . The Inside Story
Old Growth in Hutt Park, Edmonds