Geography

Assessing barriers to participation in urban tree planting initiatives in Worcester, Massachusetts

Document Type

Article

Abstract

As urban tree planting initiatives become increasingly relevant in an era of climate change and urbanization, both the benefits of and access to trees are unevenly distributed. The present study used participant observation, semi-structured interviews with foresters, and GIS analysis to investigate barriers that discouraged or prevented residents in Environmental Justice communities from participating in the Greening the Gateway Cities Program (GGCP), an urban tree planting initiative in Worcester, Massachusetts. This study asked how participation in urban tree planting programs can be increased, with a particular focus on environmental justice (EJ) communities. Qualitative analysis identified four overarching challenges to be key barriers to participation in the Worcester GGCP: knowledge of the program and of tree stewardship; lack of space for tree planting; limited resources across the program, municipal government, and residents in EJ communities; and lack of trust between actors. GIS analysis confirmed high levels of impervious surface and limited space for tree planting in the majority of private parcels as issues in the study area. This research highlights the importance of cross-actor relationship and attention to local governance and community contexts in tree planting. © 2026 Elsevier GmbH.

Publication Title

Urban Forestry and Urban Greening

Publication Date

4-2026

Volume

118

ISSN

1618-8667

DOI

10.1016/j.ufug.2026.129338

Keywords

environmental justice, Greening the Gateway Cities Program, Massachusetts, resident participation, tree planting initiatives, urban forestry

Cross Post Location

Student Publications

Worcester

Yes

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