CHARLOTTE, N.C. – North Carolina cities have been seeing a lot of growth, but with that comes less green space.

Between 2012 and 2018, Charlotte lost about 250,000 trees, or 8%, of its canopy, according to a study between the University of Vermont and the nonprofit TreesCharlotte.

Natasha Warren is with the city’s landscape management division. She manages the Tree by Tree program, which began in the fall of 2022 to encourage people to learn about trees in their backyards.

“It helps the community to know what’s important to know,” Warren said. “Why it’s important to them to take part in caring for our tree canopy.”

At least twice a year, Warren brings a group of volunteers around neighborhoods to survey trees, take inventory and hand out books to identify different species.

“A lot of time what they have in their backyard, those species are going to be in [that] book,” Warren said. “It’s all about arming the community with the tools that they need to properly care for this large part of the urban forest.”

Warren says most of Charlotte’s urban forest is on private property.

“I believe that if we can inspire a strong connection between each community member and the trees that are around them, we’ll really make a difference,” Warren said.

To take part in a Tree by Tree volunteer event, Warren recommends signing up for alerts on the city’s website to be notified about upcoming dates.

The Queen City is just one city in the state that is working to preserve its tree canopy.

Leaf and Limb Tree Service in Raleigh is on a mission to curb tree loss through its initiative “Project Pando.” The volunteer-driven tree farm grows native trees from wild seeds and gives them to the public for free.

If you have any questions about trees in your neighborhood, Warren says you should reach out to your city arborist.