Changes in tree canopy coverage and inequality in the contiguous United States between 2010 and 2020

Abstract

Tree canopy is increasingly recognized as an important environmental amenity that raises inequity concerns, yet only few studies have examined the changes in tree canopy coverage and the associated distribution inequality in a large geographical context. This study depicts the changing trend and the associated inequality in tree canopy distribution at the county level in the contiguous United States between the years 2010 and 2020. Results show that the West and Northeast regions suffered the most from tree canopy loss, while the Midwest/Great Lakes region experienced increases in its tree canopy coverage. The inequality in tree canopy distribution has generally been exacerbated across counties from 2010 to 2020. These findings highlight the importance of incorporating the changing tree canopy coverage and the associated inequity outcome into policy considerations.