NEWS

Arbor Day 2022 tree planting (News of Davidson photo by Bill Giduz)

DAVIDSON, NC – The Town of Davidson is now accepting applications for the 2026 – 2027 Tree Canopy Enhancement Program. The purpose of the program is to expand Davidson’s efforts to protect and restore the community’s tree canopy by partnering with residents and community organizations. With approximately 90% of potential replanting space located on private residential property, the future of Davidson’s tree canopy largely depends on community involvement. To sustain and expand canopy coverage, residents must play a central role alongside the Town’s efforts on public lands. The program supports the public good by recognizing that a healthy urban forest provides benefits to the entire community. These benefits include cooler temperatures, improved air quality, enhanced stormwater management, increased shade, wildlife habitat, and a higher quality of life. Because these advantages extend beyond individual properties, they help create a healthier, more resilient Davidson for everyone.

The Tree Canopy Enhancement Program also advances the goals of the Davidson Urban Community Forestry Plan and the Town’s Climate Action Plan, particularly efforts to preserve and increase tree canopy (G8), reinforce tree canopy management, sustainable landscaping, and land conservation (G4.1.1), reduce heat-island impacts (C1.2.3), improve environmental resilience (C1.2.3), and address the impacts of climate change.

Through an annual Town grant program, eligible organizations, including HOAs, garden clubs, nonprofits, and other community groups, could apply for funding to support tree planting and canopy-related activities on publicly accessible land or private property. Plantings on individual residential properties would be coordinated through a Tree Planting Store.

The goal of the program is to replace trees removed through construction, development, or tree permits, and increase overall canopy coverage throughout the Town of Davidson. A healthy urban forest is a shared responsibility, and this program gives the Town a practical way to invest in and support residents and organizations to achieve that broader public benefit.

Grant Application Process

Click here to complete the application. Applicants must request a specific grant amount for a project or program and provide a detailed description of how the funds will be used. Deadline to apply is Friday, September 18, 2026.

After grant applications are received, awardees will have the opportunity to further develop their project or program with the town arborist (or designee) who oversees all projects within the Tree Enhancement Program. Applications approved by the arborist shall be sent to the trees, natural assets and resource conservation subcommittee of the town’s Sustainability Board for their review and, ultimately, to the Sustainability board for its approval. The Sustainability board makes recommendations to the town manager for grant approval. The town manager will execute grant agreements with the awardees.

Project Report

At the end of the project, the awardees of the grants will send the Town Arborist a project summary of how the funds were used.

Projects that are not covered by this program include but are not limited to:

• Pruning of trees
• Removal of trees
• Plant health care for trees

For questions about the Tree Canopy Enhancement Program, please contact Town Arborist Andrew Sileo at asileo@townofdavidson.org or (704) 997-9065 (ext) 195.