Portland expands tree-planting efforts to bring more shade to residents

PORTLAND, Ore. (KOIN) – The City of Portland is getting a massive expansion to its tree planting program. They are planning to more than double the number of trees they plant every year, making it the largest expansion in the city’s history.

The goal is to add shade to hotspots across the city that are lacking trees. The city’s Urban Forestry Division is really focusing on parts of North and East Portland like the Kenton, Cathedral Park, and Powellhurst neighborhoods. Jenn Cairo, the City Forester, said trees are the least expensive way to address the climate crisis.

“What we're doing is giving folks shade, giving our– our community shade, as well as cleaner air, safer streets to travel on,” she said. “Because traffic, studies have shown, travels more slowly when there are street trees n