Trees Matter

Trees Matter's Mission: The need for trees in the Valley of the Sun has never been greater. Our communities depend on them not only for health and safety infrastructure but also for critical socioeconomic benefits and environmental heat mitigation. Through the education, distribution, and planting of the right trees in the right place, Trees Matter fosters and inspires an increased, more balanced tree canopy in the Valley of The Sun. A resilient future is possible for all generations—we just have to plant it.

Trees Matter's Vision: A Valley where for now and the future, all generations have lifelong access to the benefits of trees. 

Trees Matter is committed to increasing the Valley's tree canopy through the power of community education, advocacy, and action. With your support, we are able to inspire and work towards many more much needed trees in our local community. Read on to learn about the meaningful work undertaken by the Trees Matter board, staff, and volunteers, all of whom are deeply passionate about trees . . .

Community Plantings - Trees for Schools and Residential Plantings
Addressing equity issues with respect to a lack of tree canopy in certain communities through planting and educational resources to help trees grow.

Trees for Schools:
We prioritize planting trees at title 1 schools as we believe all students deserve a tree shaded campus. Our school tree plantings also provide a hands-on planting experience for students, many of whom are planting a tree for the first time. The excitement generated by the kids when they plant trees is contagious!

Residential Plantings:
We prioritize low income, high heat related deaths, and tree equity when choosing locations to help renters, homeowners, and landowners plant trees. Our goal is to create community through tree planting and provide ongoing resources and support to make sure these trees succeed.

SRP Tree Distribution Partnering with the Salt River Project:
Trees Matter distributes desert adapted trees to Valley residents free of charge and teaches proper planting and maintenance to support the success of the trees.

Mesa Utility and Neighborhood Tree Planting Programs:
Trees Matter idistributes desert adapted trees to Mesa utility customers and targeted residents free of charge. In person workshops are provided to support viability and education around tree care and planting.

Urban Food Forest:
This program introduces Valley residents to local trees that are natural food sources in our community. We provide resources highlighting aspects of our local food forests, such as edible fruits, leaves, nuts and flours.

Ask an Arborist:
Trees Matter provides resources to the community including "Ask an Arborist" forum and Facebook group where community members can have their questions about trees answered by International Society of Arboriculture (ISA) arborists who volunteer for Trees Matter.

Other Resources :
Trees Matter has created an extensive tree directory with information about Valley wide trees, an advocacy resource online page, and a Trees Matter blog that provides local tree news and information about trees in general.

Resiliency Project:
The Resiliency Project is a living memorial born to honor those who risked their lives, have fell ill, or died during the Covid-19 Pandemic. With over 100 trees planted in collaboration with Trees Matter, Tiger Mountain Foundation, and Spaces of Opportunity - it’s time to come together to honor our grief and resilience. The memorial provides ribbons representing those impacted by Covid-19 hanging on a tree corridor leading up to a mural reflecting on the impact of the pandemic and a healing garden planted by Unlimited Potential.  The Resiliency Project's aim is provides a place for recognition of the impact and ability to process and not only heal but come together as a more resilient community through connection and growth. As the trees grow, the ribbons increase, the strength of our community grows.