Who should care? Many different stakeholders may be affected by urban forests. The list below describes some of the actors to be consulted in the development and implementation of urban forest-related policies and plans:

(Adapted from Carter, 1995, with additions by authors)

Multiple scales for interventions:

• Micro/local — including site specific considerations related to the air, ground, and soil
• Neighborhood
• City 
• Regional
• State/provincial
• National

Urban Forests may support larger city goals, such as:

• Resiliency — Utilizing trees to position a city and its residents to withstand or recover faster from risks related to climate change and natural disasters such as heat waves, flooding, or drought.
• Sustainability — Integrating trees into urban landscapes to deliver environmental, social, and economic benefits, such as tree-lined pedestrian walkways along business districts that cool ambient temperatures, promote walking and social interaction, and boost property values and local business revenues.
• Public Health — Supporting tree-related policies and plans that increase public contact with nature, encourage physical activity, and reduce exposure to harmful vehicle emissions.
• Safer and more sustainable transportation — Incorporating trees into transportation projects to improve “last mile” connectivity to public transit by reducing vehicle speeds in low speed areas, altering microclimates to promote walking and cycling, and reducing flooding along transportation infrastructure