We asked you, “One thing I love about trees is …”

We received a lot of varied responses, and it was clear that our champions value and prize trees most for their shade and cooling benefits, as well as for providing habitat (for birds in particular).

We then asked, "Why some people might not like trees..."

Of all the responses, tree champions perceive the biggest reason that trees might not be liked is due to the frustration and angst people feel about their leaves and roots; for creating mess that needs to be cleaned and swept up and blocking gutters and drains.

Why did we ask this?

This information is helpful to understand the barriers and resistance we sometimes face when trying to retain or plant trees. It helps to guide our communication when we talk to the community about trees, as we have a better understanding of what you, as the community, perceive to be the main benefits and challenges of trees.

It’s time to take action as tree champions. You have told us how you, personally, want to help increase canopy in the city and these ideas were used to create the many actions that can be selected in the pledge form.

Now we would love for you to tell us what you will commit and pledge to do, then show and share your pledge with the Tree Champion Community, and then take action to complete your pledge. Later, will invite you to share photos or media of you undertaking you pledge or at completion of your pledge to demonstrate your achievement. Your action will help increase canopy and inspire others to do the same.

We will continue to share the amazing commitments and actions of our tree champions and the real difference they make to our canopy cover.

Tree champions indicated you would like to come together once every 6-months. We will be in touch with the details of the next Growing Green Gathering closer to the time. If you have any topics of interest or community-led and community-driven ideas you might like to present to your fellow Tree Champions, or tree or canopy matters you would like us to explore in the get together, please reach out to us to share your ideas in advance.