Why NeighborWoods and Tree Equity?
Trees should not be an either-or option. When any neighborhood gets more trees, we all win.
Cities that have a robust, ‘equitably distributed network of trees’ are equipped with valuable assets that make all of our communities cooler, more liveable, and economically resilient.
What improves quality of life in our communities? Trees! Planting builds pride and ownership, leading residents to take more interest in their neighborhood and homes. Surrounding communities also begin to take notice, building mutual respect and caring for one another.
That’s why, in 2008, we launched our first tree-planting program, NeighborWoods, with the goal of tree equity. Over the next two years, TreesUpstate, known as TreesGreenville until 2019, helped revitalize several urban neighborhoods harmed by drugs, crime, and significantly lower homeownership rates. Together with the Greenville County Redevelopment Authority, we planted beautiful new trees in front yards, new single-family houses, and a tree-shaded park and playground where children and families could gather.
Beginning in 2022, we strengthened our tree equity efforts through expanded community engagement. Today, our Community Engagement Coordinator partners with neighborhoods and residents to ensure seamless tree plantings where they are needed most.
NeighborWoods Program Goals:
- Build trust with community partners and developers by educating them on the benefits of trees, collaborating to make trees part of the solution, and empowering community members to become tree advocates.
- Implement customized urban forestry strategies for communities and neighborhood associations to beautify their neighborhoods, experience the many benefits of trees, and increase their overall canopy.
- Develop an optimal staffing structure that offers workforce development, a job stream, and financially valuable landscape certification for 18- to 24-year-olds who live in special interest areas.
- Provide ongoing tree care so that homeowners can maintain ownership value and are less likely to sell or foreclose on their house.
Planting in Creekside
Past Community Plantings
NeighborWoods plants with neighborhoods across Greenville and Spartanburg counties.
Here are a few of the communities we have planted with.
2025
Gower Estates
View planting
2024
Liberty Square
View planting
2024
City of Greenville
View planting
2024
Sleepy Hollow
View planting
2024
West Greenville
View planting
Want your neighborhood planted? See how to plant with us.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I plant a tree in my front yard or backyard?
Yes! While our goal is to plant front-yard shade trees for maximum community benefit, we will plant a tree anywhere on your property.
I am looking for resources to reforest my land. Can TreesUpstate help with this?
Unfortunately, TreesUpstate does not assist homeowners with reforestation projects on private property at this time. For bare-root seedling purchases, we recommend ArborGen. You can also attend a tree giveaway for up to 2 free trees per household.
What communities qualify for a Neighborwoods project?
We want to help every neighborhood plant more trees, but our resources are limited! We prioritize project requests by need and the neighborhood’s current tree canopy. For selected neighborhoods, trees are free, and there is no cost to the resident. For a volunteer tree planting day, the neighborhood must be walkable from end to end in 15-20 minutes.
For neighborhoods with less demonstrated need, we offer a fee-for-tree program for 15+ gallon-sized trees. Or, residents are welcome to participate in our tree giveaway program and pick up free 3-gallon trees.
What resources are available to share Neighborwoods project info with my neighbors?
Contact us to see whether your neighborhood qualifies for a community tree-planting/tree-giveaway project. We have templates for fliers, letters, door hangers, social media posts, and neighborhood signs to help get the word out in your neighborhood!
What is a tree diaper?
A tree diaper is a watering mat that lays around the trunk of the tree under the mulch. The tree diaper absorbs rainwater and retains it for up to one month, slowly dripping it into the tree’s root zone. It lasts for 5 years.
What species of trees are available?
We plant over 50 species and cultivars annually, but availability depends on our partner nurseries. Our focus is on planting large native canopy trees. We work with the neighborhood champion to build a species list for each neighborhood. Examples of species we plant include: oak species, tulip poplar, black tupelo, American hornbeam, eastern red cedar, serviceberry, Eastern redbud, magnolia, & baldcypress.
How many trees does one household qualify for?
One household can receive up to two trees.
Can I request a specific species not on your list?
Unfortunately, we cannot accommodate requests outside of the neighborhood availability list.
