California’s Canopy Evolution: Mapping the Future of Urban Forests

Apr 29, 2025

Discover how California is using next-generation interactive mapping to visualize tree canopy changes and build heat-resilient communities.

CAL FIRE

A three-panel banner showing urban heat island data: the left map highlights heat intensity in shades of pink, the center displays a real-world aerial photo of an urban highway corridor, and the right map shows corresponding tree canopy density in green.

New Interactive California Urban Tree Canopy Tool Visualizes Tree Canopy Data And Change

Data will inform communities about where & how to maximize the valuable benefits of urban trees by CAL FIRE.

Sacramento — The California Department of Forestry and Fire Protection (CAL FIRE) is proud to announce a new interactive mapping tool to visualize urban tree canopy across California. This tool was developed in partnership with the USDA Forest Service and displays 2022 high-resolution (60cm) urban tree canopy for all 2020 Census designated urban areas in the state of California, as well as canopy-related change between 2018 and 2022.

Tree canopy is a critical component of California’s environmental infrastructure, offering wide-ranging benefits from reducing extreme heat and improving air quality to enhancing property values and wildlife habitat.

Read the full article at CAL FIRE →