Trees for Cities is a UK charity focused on urban trees and tree equity. Founded in 1993, the organisation works to plant and care for trees in towns and cities, with the aim of making urban areas greener, healthier and more resilient. Its work is centred on the idea that access to trees should not depend on where people live, and that the benefits of urban greenery should reach communities facing the greatest environmental disadvantage.
Based in London, the charity operates across the UK and describes itself as working at a national scale, with some activity also extending internationally. Over more than three decades, it has brought together local communities, partners and supporters to plant more than 2 million trees in places where they are needed most. Its stated approach combines tree planting with long-term care, reflecting the fact that survival of urban trees is often more difficult than planting itself.
Trees for Cities also runs education and engagement programmes. According to the organisation, 30,032 pupils took part in its school programmes in the last year, and 14,986 people were involved in planting, protecting and promoting urban trees. It reported activity in 47 urban areas across the UK and the development of 35 new school projects over the same period.
A central recent focus is its “Make Trees Matter!” strategy, launched in 2026, which frames tree inequity as an environmental justice issue. The charity is led by CEO Kate Sheldon.