Annapolis Unveils Interactive Map to Boost Urban Tree Canopy

Annapolis has launched an interactive Tree Canopy Map to engage residents in urban forestry efforts, highlighting tree coverage data and encouraging community involvement to achieve the city’s 50 percent canopy goal by 2050.

1 minute read

January 26, 2025, 5:00 AM PST

By Clement Lau


Aerial view of Annapolis, Maryland.

Christopher Boswell / Adobe Stock

The City of Annapolis has introduced a new interactive Tree Canopy Map, aiming to engage residents in enhancing and sustaining the city's urban forest. This publicly accessible tool provides detailed information on individual street trees, including species, size, and environmental contributions such as carbon sequestration and stormwater reduction. By exploring the map, users can identify areas with sparse tree coverage and contribute to strategic planting efforts.

Developed in collaboration with PlanIT Geo, a leader in urban forestry software and consulting, the Tree Canopy Map allows residents to compare canopy coverage across different neighborhoods. This feature helps pinpoint regions that would benefit from additional tree planting, supporting the city's goal of achieving a 50 percent tree canopy by 2050. Currently, Annapolis stands at approximately 42 percent coverage, highlighting the need for community involvement to reach this target.

City officials emphasize the importance of public participation, noting that much of the available space for new trees is on residential properties. Urban Forester Brian Adams stated, "We need the public’s help to meet our tree canopy goals." Residents are encouraged to utilize the Tree Canopy Map to assess their neighborhoods and consider planting suitable trees, thereby contributing to a healthier and more resilient urban environment.

Sunday, January 19, 2025 in Eye on Annapolis

Young Professional

I love the variety of courses, many practical, and all richly illustrated. They have inspired many ideas that I've applied in practice, and in my own teaching. Mary G., Urban and Environmental Planner

I love the variety of courses, many practical, and all richly illustrated. They have inspired many ideas that I've applied in practice, and in my own teaching.

Mary G., Urban and Environmental Planner

Get top-rated, practical training for planners

"Planetizen federal action tracker" logo superimposed over black and white image of US Capitol dome.

Planetizen Federal Action Tracker

A weekly monitor of how Trump’s orders and actions are impacting planners and planning in America.

September 16, 2026 - Zachary Whalen

Overlapping highways

The state-sanctioned urbicide of Austin

People don’t kill cities. Freeways do.

September 8, 2026 - Benjamin Schneider

The Hoover Dam blocking the Colorado River. The river's water level is noticeably low. The cliffs surrounding the blue water are brown and jagged.

US to reduce Colorado River water deliveries to Mexico

A new Colorado Treaty amendment reduces Mexico’s Colorado River water allocation by 250,000 acre feet.

September 11, 2026 - The Arizona Republic

A coal power plant in Iowa billows smoke into the air.

Nation's most wind-powered state turns to coal as data centers increase energy demand

For the first time in decades, Iowa has increased its generation of coal power.

1 hour ago - Inside Climate News

A sign on a fence describing the rain garden behind it.

NYC cools commuters with city's first rain garden above a bus stop

New York City officials say the plants in the rain garden can absorb 16 gallons of rainwater during heavy storms.

2 hours ago - Gothamist

A map showing Brightline West's intended route from  Las Vegas to Rancho Cucamonga, California.

Brightline West’s future may rely on $6 billion federal loan

The company has until Nov. 2 to make a $400 million equity investment into its proposed high-speed rail line.

3 hours ago - Smart Cities Dive

FREE Course: Walkable City 1: Why Walkability?

After describing his path towards focusing on walkability as the essence of good planning, Jeff Speck marches through his five principal reasons for making more walkable places.

Reinventing Malls: Planning Alchemy—Turning Gray Fields Into Gold

The course focuses on the opportunities and imperatives that shape reinvention of mall sites.