Urban Tree Canopy Assessment: Project Summary

Cupertino, California, USA

The urban forest in Cupertino is a valuable asset that provides residents and visitors with many ecological, environmental, and community benefits. This assessment analyzed the City’s urban tree canopy (UTC), possible planting area (PPA), and change in UTC over a nine-year period. The results provide an updated baseline to develop strategies to protect and expand Cupertino’s trees and natural areas during planning and development. The maps and project report help to concentrate efforts in areas where needs are greatest, tree planting space is available, and benefits can be realized.

Key Insights

Total Study Area Acres

Acres of Plantable Space

Tree Canopy 2018

Tree canopy data were analyzed for Cupertino’s planning neighborhoods to determine the distribution of existing and potential urban tree canopy throughout the City. Inspiration Heights had the highest canopy coverage at 39% and comprised 18% of the City’s total existing canopy. This neighborhood, Monta Vista South, and Oak Valley offered the greatest opportunities for expanding the City’s canopy and contained a combined 51% of all PPA in Cupertino, with 44%, 39%, and 50% PPA, respectively.