Trees and plants have important benefits for ecosystems and city operations, yet trees in urban and suburban areas face numerous challenges. They are exposed to a broad range of human-caused (e.g. increases in population density) and natural (e.g. climate change) stressors. Tree canopy coverage is a measure of the potential for the urban forest to provide cooling and habitat needs, as well as other benefits including carbon storage, decreasing storm water impacts, and reducing air pollution to improve the quality of life for residents – both humans and wildlife. The City aims to maintain our citywide tree canopy cover at 30% (excluding the ALR) over time.