Canopies for Campuses
Get Involved
Know a school that would benefit from more shade and greener outdoor spaces? Fill out our nomination form or contact us to get started! Once a school is nominated, we’ll work with you and school leadership to establish contact and secure principal approval, meet with staff to walk the campus and gather input, draft a proposed tree planting map, and coordinate final approvals with the school and Knox County Schools administration to bring trees to life on campus.
Campuses Growing Canopies
Why it Matters
The Canopies for Campuses program brings the proven benefits of trees to Knox County Schools by providing free trees and hands-on planting experiences for students, parents, and teachers. Research shows that trees in schoolyards improve student focus, behavior, and academic performance. Through this program, Trees Knoxville collaborates with schools to create shaded, healthy learning environments that inspire a lifelong connection to nature.
Trees Knoxville has provided 250 shade trees to over 30 Knox County Schools since 2017. Last year, we planted at Bearden Middle School, Inskip Elementary, Vine Middle School, Sunnyview Primary. We plant at private schools too! Last year, we planted at St. Joe School.
This year, we will plant trees at Adrian Burnett Elementary, Belle Morris Elementary, Green Magnet Academy, Lonsdale Elementary, and Whittle Springs Middle School.
Canopies for Campuses FAQs
Find quick answers about our Canopies for Campuses program.
What do schools need to provide?
Trees and tree planting are provided free to schools selected for our Canopy for Campuses program. In return, we ask that schools partner with us to develop a tree watering and care plan to ensure the long-term health and success of the trees.
When are plantings scheduled?
Tree plantings take place from November through April. We work with the school principal, staff, and teachers to schedule a planting day that fits the school calendar and encourages maximum student participation.
How are the trees cared for after planting?
Trees Knoxville provides watering and care for the first two years after planting. Beyond that, we collaborate with the school to create a sustainable, long-term tree care plan to ensure the trees continue to thrive.