Cary's new shade-tree pilot targets hotter, less leafy properties

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By CityApollo Editorial Team · CityApollo · Published October 13, 2026 · 1 min read

Cary has launched a tree-planting pilot that looks at where shade is needed most. Announced Sept. 9, Shading the Future aims to plant about 200 native trees on selected properties, with trees and professional planting paid for through a Duke Energy Foundation grant.

Priority goes to areas with higher surface temperatures, less existing tree canopy and room for larger trees to mature. Homeowners, businesses, HOAs, schools, places of worship and other Cary property owners may express interest.

Participants selected for the program will work with planting partners to choose a suitable native species and location. Submitting the interest form does not guarantee a tree. The town describes this as a pilot, so it has not promised that the same offer will return every year.

The September announcement also promoted the separate My Tree, Our Tree pickup on Oct. 10. That date has passed. Residents interested now should use the Shading the Future program page to check the current interest process, rather than trying to reserve a place in the completed pickup.

Before applying, think about the space available for a tree at maturity and any property-management approvals you need. The professional site-selection step is especially useful for deciding where shade can benefit a home or shared outdoor area.

Check availability through the town's current program page or Cary 311.

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