The primary cause of deforestation in the United States is urban development.

As cities and suburbs expand, forests are cleared to make way for housing, infrastructure, and commercial development. This urban sprawl is a major driver of land-use change, leading to the loss of forested areas. While timber harvesting, agriculture expansion, and wildfires also contribute to deforestation, urban development remains the dominant factor, especially in rapidly growing areas. Managing this trend involves balancing growth with sustainable land-use practices to protect forest ecosystems and biodiversity.