Shade and Tree Plan

In 2024, Scottsdale set out to develop a plan that would guide the community in maintaining, increasing, and collaborating on shade infrastructure across our desert city.

This effort focused on understanding existing shade conditions, identifying opportunities for improvement, and ensuring strategies would be both practical and effective over the long term.

Through research and analysis of current tree canopy distribution, surface heat data, historical temperature trends and best practices implemented by desert cities and regional partners, a draft Shade & Tree Plan for the Built Environment was developed, intended to enhance shade citywide by optimizing shade elements and focusing on the selection and placement of appropriate trees and structures in private development sites and public spaces. Through practical guidance, it supports the creation of heat-resilient properties and neighborhoods for residents, businesses, developers, and visitors.

Visit our public engagement page to learn more about the plan, next steps, and to submit comments.