Purpose
Root Nashville is a public-private campaign, led by Metro Nashville and the Cumberland River Compact, to plant 500,000 trees across Davidson County by 2050.
Nashville is growing quickly. To keep the city green and livable for future generations, it’s crucial that we work together to maintain and grow our tree canopy. The Root Nashville campaign was created in 2018 to further that goal.
Why Trees?
Trees aren’t just plants – they’re critical pieces of green infrastructure that keep our city healthy, clean, and beautiful. Trees can:
- Improve water quality by preventing soil erosion, absorbing stormwater runoff, filtering pollutants, and cooling streams and rivers with shade
- Clean the air by absorbing CO2 and reducing risk factors for people with asthma
- Reduce urban heat through shade and transpiration (the exhalation of water vapor through pores on their leaves)
- Calm traffic, making roads safer for motorists, cyclists, and pedestrians
- Help wildlife by creating habitat and food sources
- Save residents money by boosting property values and decreasing utility bills in the summer
- Beautify our community, creating green spaces for people to recreate, reflect, and connect
- Improve public health outcomes for Nashvillians by doing all of the above
Campaign principles
In addition to the goal of planting 500,000 trees by 2050, the Root Nashville campaign is guided by the following key principles:
Equity
Diversity
Plant a diverse array of native species in order to bolster Nashville’s canopy against dangers like disease and pestilence, which can wipe out entire species populations.
Stewardship
Deliver watering and maintenance services to thousands of newly-planted trees each summer, and provide tree recipients with resources that empower them to care for their own trees at home.
Community
Create meaningful opportunities for community engagement, input, and participation from Nashville residents, nonprofits, businesses, elected officials, and neighborhood leaders.