Green Infrastructure is seen as expensive when compared to traditional grey infrastructure.

But with the increase of green infrastructure technology is this actually the case?

A study comparing the actual project costs to typical costs for conventional development found that 11 out of 12 diverse projects with direct cost comparisons between conventional and green infrastructure approaches showed cost decreases averaging 36%.

Green infrastructure, such as soil vaults and permeable pavement, can lower water treatment costs, reduce flooding, and erosion, thus providing economic and environmental benefits to the city.

What are the Typical Costs of Green Infrastructure Projects?

The cost of green infrastructure can be influenced by factors such as the type of project, location, and integration with planned infrastructure improvements.

Integrating green projects with planned infrastructure improvements, such as road reconstruction or roof replacements, can lead to cost savings of 30% to 60% over the lifetime of the project due to the multiple benefits that green infrastructure offers back to the built environment. 

It is important to note that the cost of green infrastructure is not solely determined by the initial construction costs but also includes life cycle costs, including planning, design, installation, operation and maintenance, and replacement. 

The cost-analysis of green infrastructure should be analyzed in conjunction with its performance and the multiple benefits it provides, including environmental, economic, and community benefits.

How do Cities Fund Green Infrastructure Projects?

Cities typically fund green infrastructure projects through a variety of mechanisms, including public and private sources. Some of the common funding sources and mechanisms highlighted in the search results include:

1. Public Sector Financing: Cities can use their main revenue sources, such as property taxes, transport fees, and other charges, to finance green infrastructure projects. They can also explore the greening of municipal financial instruments, such as congestion charges, variable parking fees, toll lanes, and split-rate property taxes, to achieve greener urban infrastructure1.
   
2. Private Sector Involvement: Public-private partnerships (PPPs) are a common mechanism for involving the private sector in funding green infrastructure projects. In PPPs, the long-term risk is transferred to the public sector, and they can play a significant role in financing and implementing green infrastructure projects1.
   
3. Grant Funding: Grant funding, including federal grants, can provide local governments with the resources to implement green infrastructure projects. However, federal grants can be highly competitive2.
   
4. Federal Programs: Federal programs that support efforts to reduce water pollution and manage stormwater can provide funding for green infrastructure projects. For example, the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) provides funding for such projects.
   
5. Community Development Funds: Community development money can be used to fund green infrastructure projects because these projects can create jobs, increase economic activity, and increase property values. Urban tree planting and green infrastructure can increase economic activity in a commercial district and property values by mitigating flooding and improving neighborhood aesthetics3.
   
6. Transportation Funding: Green infrastructure projects are often eligible for transportation funding because they improve transportation networks by efficiently and cost-effectively mitigating street and alley flooding and create a cooler more comfortable environment for passengers.

A great way to ensure green infrastructure gets built is to set it as a building standard for new constructions and incorporate GI into street layouts and designs.

Citygreen regularly works with local and state governments worldwide to improve their city standards towards tree canopy and green infrastructure. Our team can advise you on actionable goals and solutions to cool your city with green solutions.

How To Do Green Infrastructure Cost Analysis?

To conduct a green infrastructure cost analysis, the following steps can be taken:

1. Define Green Infrastructure and Public Space: Green infrastructure is the network of green spaces, natural systems, and semi-natural systems that support sustainable communities, while public spaces are places publicly owned or for public use, accessible and enjoyable by all free and without a profit motive.
   
2. Cost Benefit Analysis: Measure incremental change relative to what would have happened without action, i.e., the base case. The CBA should only consider the incremental or marginal impact of a program or project. Specify the base case in as much detail as possible and quantify it to set a baseline for the incremental changes in outcomes that are being measured. including identifying the developing options, identifying and forecasting costs and benefits, valuing costs and benefits, identifying non-market impacts, and reporting the results of CBA.
   
3. Consider the Costs of Green Infrastructure and Public Space: The costs of such projects include construction costs, costs related to the replacement of capital, and costs related to ongoing maintenance and operation. Cost estimates should be specific to the individual project and reflect the design and conditions associated with the construction and operation of the project.
   
4. Value the Benefits of Green Infrastructure and Public Space: The benefits of public space are driven by a range of features, and the framework provides recommended approaches and parameters for valuing these benefits. It’s important to carefully consider the specific benefits associated with the project and apply the recommended parameters accordingly.
   
5. Engage with Stakeholders: In addition to using the framework, practitioners should engage with stakeholders, including the department’s subject matter experts and the community to understand the full use case of the infrastructure.

By following these steps, practitioners can conduct a comprehensive green infrastructure cost analysis that takes into account the economic, social, environmental, and cultural costs and benefits of the project.

Our team is well versed in the world of Green Infrastructure and stormwater management and can provide you with a free quote for your next project.

What are the Benefits of Green Infrastructure?

There are a multitude of benefits related to green infrastructure that cities that consistently invest in green infrastructure are seeing.

Energy Efficiency

Green Infrastructure reduces the cooling demands of households, and buildings through creating shade and transpiration of water through leaves from trees and plants. The NSW government estimates that for each reduction in degree through tree canopy you decrease your energy bill by $13.

Air Quality Improvement

Increasing tree canopy and urban green walls contribute to air quality improvement through capturing of physical and gaseous pollutants, suspending captured particles, emitting environmentally friendly particles like pollen, and disrupting of wind flows through tree canopy.

Water Management

Green Infrastructure can capture water runoff, which reduces the volume of stormwater that needs to be processed and be used to sustain the green infrastructure itself. It additionally improves the water quality of runoff that does reach the waterways.

In the ‘Valuing green infrastructure and public spaces Framework’ from the NSW Government. The estimate the value of stormwater reduction based on the avoided costs of projects to build additional stormwater management infrastructure like wetlands and retention ponds.

Some key data points from that analysis:

• Cost to manage stormwater flows ranged between $0.04 to $0.30 per cubic metre captured, depending on the type of infrastructure option
• An average-sized street tree in Canberra captures 16,500 L (16.5 cubic metres) annually
• A hectare of irrigated urban forest would capture 1 megalitre (1,000 cubic metres) of stormwater per 20 mm rain event

So in summary, the document states green infrastructure and trees can reduce stormwater runoff, avoiding the need for additional “grey” stormwater infrastructure. This avoided expenditure provided an approach to quantifying the stormwater management benefits.

Health Benefits

Green Infrastructure has far ranging impacts in the areas of mental and physical health. Increasing the amount of green infrastructure in the forms of public open spaces, parks, and facilities shows a 6% increase of residence hitting their daily activity goal which equals around a $1.13 cost saving per household per km walked.

Urban cooling through tree canopy and transpiration also reduces heat-related health complications. The NSW Government estimates 1°C of cooling saves $3 per person per very hot day in health costs and an 10% increase in canopy cover is equal to a 1.1°C cooling effect.

We invited General Practitioner Dr. Kim Loo to come speak at our event ‘Where Shade hits the Pavement’ to discuss how trees and urban planning are impacting her patients in Western Sydney.

Takeaway

Despite its complexity, the wide-ranging benefits of green infrastructure unfold gradually over time. While there exists an initial upfront cost during the construction phase, this investment quickly shows substantial returns, growth and impact for the community.

As the effects begin to manifest in the economic, social, and environmental spheres, the return on investment becomes increasingly evident. The transformative power of green infrastructure becomes apparent when measuring its positive influence on economic savings, social well-being, and environmental sustainability.

Therefore, while the initial costs might seem substantial, the long-term advantages and dividends gained from the implementation of green infrastructure undoubtedly outweigh these initial expenses, making it a wise and forward-thinking investment for communities and regions alike.

Every soil cell systems and Stratavault installation is tailored to fit the specific site requirements. The cost involved may fluctuate depending on factors such as the site’s features, the amount of trees, the amount of product needed, tree dimensions, stormwater treatment objectives, and additional landscape complexity and design goals.

Get in contact with one of our urban greening consultants and we can provide you with a free quote specifically designed and engineered for your project.

Generally the largest soil cells cost and most time consuming task is the initial excavation of the soil cell pit. Installation of Stratavault is a quick process as all modules click together easily and you can easily become a certified stratavault installer with our 1-hour training.

The next step involves filling the soil cells with high-quality, uncompacted soil, placing the top plates atop them, covering the cells with geogrid fabric, installing the above infrastructure such as a road or pavement, and finally, installing the tree.

Treepit Costing Calculator

Try our Treepit costing calculator to compare the total cost between structural soil tree plantings and soil cell plantings.

The Treepit calculator establishes the crown projection at maturity, the height at maturity, excavation cost,

Do Soil Cells Grow Larger Trees?

Yes, Trees planted in soil cells like Stratavault and Strataflow grow trees faster and larger because soil cells drastically improve the amount of soil, nutrients, and oxygen available for trees roots to grow in tough urban environments.

Need Proof?

As you can see from the above timelapse. The trees planted in stratavault almost immediately started outperforming the standard planting trees and continued to outperform the standard trees where after 10 years the standard trees only had canopy cover relative to the stratavault trees of 4 years.

So, in a world where urban heat islands and climate change is impacting the lives of every citizen, the faster we can grow tree canopy the faster we grow cooler resilient cities.

Read our comparison article to see the advantages using soil cells has in your streetscape.

Free Design Service for Your Treepit

Citygreen DesignStudio has the in-depth technical knowledge to plan, model, and design treepits and stormwater management solutions for any landscape.

Upload your project information and landscape drawing and our team will get an estimate to you promptly.

Extreme rainfall events are increasing in frequency and intensity worldwide due to climate change. With intense storms comes a growing concern surrounding urban flooding and its destructive impacts.

Major cities across the globe are searching for solutions to curb flooding damage. Urban trees have emerged as a natural and effective approach to enhancing stormwater management. By providing interception, infiltration, and runoff reduction, trees are powerful tools to mitigate flooding. When combining green and blue infrastructure together such as trees, and stormwater management we can combine these efforts and create a system that is more impactful at reducing runoff volumes and minimizing flood risk.

Understanding Urban Flooding and Its Impacts

Urban flooding occurs when intense rainfall overwhelms drainage systems and flows rapidly across impervious surfaces into buildings, homes, and infrastructure. Impermeable roads, parking lots, and sidewalks combined with inadequate sewer systems lead rainwater to pond and flood key areas, rather than draining naturally.

The effects of urban flooding include destruction of property, closure of businesses and government facilities, disruptions to public transit systems, damage to infrastructure like roads and bridges, and increased risk of injury or waterborne diseases from sewer overflows.

As cities continue to densify and replace green space with concrete buildings and asphalt pavement, and as extreme weather events intensify due to climate change, urban flooding will only become more severe if proactive solutions are not prioritized.

Our team of urban greening consultants have over 30 years of experience planting and designing green blue stormwater management plans & can help you design spaces that will grow trees faster and increase the effectiveness of your stormwater management.

Book a free consultation with our team.

How do Urban Trees Prevent Flooding?

Their root networks, often concentrated within the upper layers of soil, help in reducing surface runoff by enhancing soil permeability and capture. These shallow roots aid in soil structure improvement, preventing soil compaction and promoting infiltration, allowing water to percolate more effectively into the ground rather than running off the surface. By absorbing and storing water during rainfall events, trees can significantly reduce the volume and velocity of stormwater runoff, thereby lessening the risk of flash floods and minimizing the burden on stormwater drainage systems.

Additionally, trees contribute to flood reduction by intercepting rainfall with their canopy. The foliage of urban trees acts as a natural barrier, breaking the impact of raindrops and slowing down the descent of water onto the ground.

This helps to reduce soil erosion and surface water runoff by allowing rainwater to be gradually released, giving it more time to infiltrate the soil or evaporate, consequently lowering the amount of water reaching streets, sidewalks, and drainage systems. In combination with their ability to enhance soil permeability and reduce runoff, urban trees serve as valuable components of green infrastructure, effectively mitigating flooding and contributing to the overall resilience of urban areas against storm events.

The trees will then use the water to nourish itself by evapotranspiration and release oxygen & water vapor back into the atmosphere through its leaves to cool the nearby environment.

The Role of Urban Trees in Stormwater Management

Urban trees offer a nature-based solution to enhance cities’ resilience against flooding. Their canopies intercept rainfall that would otherwise end up as runoff. Their extensive root systems allow more water to infiltrate into subsurface soils rather than flowing across pavement surfaces. And the added roughness or drag created by trees slows down stormwater that does end up traveling as runoff, providing more time for infiltration and evaporation.

Studies show that just 100 mature tree canopies intercept over 100,000 gallons of rainfall per year depending on the climate. Over an acre of tree cover can reduce runoff by up to 62,000 gallons from a one-inch rainstorm event. When quantified, urban trees provide significant volume reduction benefits to curb stormwater runoff and the resulting floods.

How to Think about Urban Tree Flood Mitigation

There are four ways urban trees reduce stormwater runoff volumes:

Interception: During rainstorms, tree leaves, branches, and trunks intercept precipitation and absorb or block it from reaching the ground. Interception rates vary based on tree size and structure, climate, and precipitation patterns. But large healthy trees and soil prevent thousands of gallons of water annually from ever forming runoff.

Infiltration: Tree roots and the organic matter from decomposing leaves create small channels and pathways for stormwater to infiltrate into the soil at much higher rates than compacted urban soils.

This facilitates groundwater recharge while preventing rainfall from becoming high velocity runoff. Soil quality and compaction is also an important factor as hard compacted surfaces such as those mainly found in urban areas push the water into the cities municipalities at a greater rate increasing the chances of flooding.

Slowing Runoff: Trees and their structural root networks add surface roughness on the landscape which slows down runoff as it flows towards drains and sewer systems. This slowing effect allows more time for the runoff to naturally infiltrate into soils and prevents high velocity flows that contribute to urban flooding.

Capturing Runoff: Integrating Soil Cells into urban trees is rising in popularity due to the flexibility of the system. You can use permeable surfaces to infiltrate rain water into the pit itself which will hydrate and oxygenise the soil and tree roots.

Once the tree roots and soil have cleaned the water and been satiated, the excess water can filter down into a lower holding chamber to reduce the flow during high peak weather events.

To learn more download our free Strataflow PDF

The excess water can be released at a later time into the municipality systems or with proper planning be used for on-site irrigation of surrounding landscapes.

Benefits Beyond Flood Mitigation

In addition to stormwater management, increasing urban trees provides municipalities a number of co-benefits:

Air Quality Improvement: Trees remove air pollutants like ozone, nitrogen oxides, and particulate matter through their natural respiration processes. This leads to improved air quality and public health outcomes.
Related: Best Trees for Reducing Air Pollution.

Energy Conservation: The shade provided by trees reduces summer cooling demands in buildings, leading to energy savings from reduced air conditioning needs.

Property Value Enhancement: Multiple studies confirm that homes and properties landscaped with trees have 3-15% higher property values compared to non-landscaped equivalents, providing a financial incentive.

Mental Health Benefits: Spending time around trees and green spaces improves mental health by reducing stress, anxiety, and depression through both mental relaxation and lowering unhealthy cortisol levels.

Aesthetic Enhancement: Thoughtfully designed green infrastructure and urban tree planting enhances the beauty, visual appeal and livability of neighborhoods by reducing the amount of grey services needed to service the community.

Planting and Caring for Urban Trees

To properly leverage the stormwater management potential of urban trees, care must be taken to plant appropriate tree species and proactively maintain tree health through pruning, watering, and disease management.

Native tree species that can withstand urban conditions like air pollution, compacted soils, drought, and flood tolerance are ideal. Maples, Elms, Oaks, Magnolias and Birches are great options in many cities. Consult with your local government or nurseries to get a list of appropriate trees.

When siting trees, utilities, infrastructure, soil compaction and drainage, and sunlight exposure must be considered to allow sufficient soil volumes for the tree as it grows to maturity.

Consistent watering of young trees is critical, along with pruning once mature to encourage optimal canopy structure. Organic approaches should be used to prevent and manage pest damage.

Permeable Pavements and Soil Cells Enhance Infiltration

While trees alone provide measurable stormwater management, combining them with permeable paving systems and subsurface water-storing soil cells can capture, infiltrate and transpire even more rainfall.

As you can see from the above video, the trees planted in soil cells with the supported above ground infrastructure to direct and filter stormwater into the treepit grow to a better quality when compared to the same tree planted in the nearby grass verge.

Permeable pavements also allow surface runoff to pass through the paving material and filter down into aggregate storage layers underneath where water can infiltrate soil naturally.

Any excess runoff is conveyed into connected tree soil cells – structural stormwater chambers that feeds stored stormwater and runoff directly to trees at the ideal pace for root absorption.

This enables trees to grow stronger, healthier, and larger – which further enhances their rainfall interception capacity. Where possible, cities should install connected permeable pavements and subsurface soil cells in parallel with urban tree planting efforts to maximize stormwater volume reduction benefits.

Case Study: Glenora School Stormwater Management

Final Takeaways

With record rainfall and intense storms threatening communities globally, cities must take urgent action. Strategically planting and maintaining networks of urban trees represent a sustainable, cost effective nature-based solution to enhance stormwater management and curb urban flooding. Their rainfall interception, enhanced infiltration, and runoff reduction benefits are well quantified.

Combined with high performing green infrastructure like permeable pavements and subsurface soil cells that collect, store and infiltrate rainfall, trees can transform cities into more flood resilient, climate adaptive landscapes.

Through proactive planning and design, municipal leaders can leverage trees as vital green infrastructure protecting vulnerable communities against intensifying flood risks.

What readers will learn by reading this article:

• The importance of increasing canopy cover in cities for environmental and health benefits.
• How to assess current canopy cover and set goals for increasing it.
• Strategies for selecting appropriate tree species, planning tree placement, and engaging the community in canopy cover initiatives.

How to increase canopy cover in cities? In today’s rapidly urbanizing world, cities are often characterized by concrete jungles, with towering buildings and minimal green spaces. However, increasing canopy cover in cities is vital for the environment and the well-being of urban dwellers.

Canopy cover refers to the layer of leaves, branches, and stems formed by the crowns of trees and other vegetation. It plays a crucial role in mitigating the adverse effects of urbanization, such as air pollution, heat island effect, and stormwater runoff.

A comprehensive approach is essential to increase canopy cover, encompassing various steps from assessing the current situation to implementing long-term maintenance strategies.

This article serves as a step-by-step guide to help cities, councils, developers and individuals increase canopy cover and create greener, healthier, and more sustainable urban environments for people to live in.

Assessing Current Canopy Cover

Before embarking on a journey to increase canopy cover, it is crucial to assess the existing canopy cover in the city. This assessment provides a baseline and helps determine the extent of improvement required. There are two primary methods for assessing canopy cover: analyzing satellite imagery and conducting on-the-ground surveys.

Satellite imagery analysis can provide a broad-scale overview of the city’s canopy cover percentage. Several tools and software are available that utilize satellite data to estimate canopy cover. On the other hand, conducting on-the-ground surveys involves physically measuring the canopy cover in different areas of the city. This method provides more accurate and detailed information but requires time and resources.

Setting Goals for Increasing Canopy Cover

Setting clear and achievable goals is essential when aiming to increase canopy cover. The desired percentage increase should be determined based on various factors such as the city’s climate, available space, and community needs. It is crucial to strike a balance between increasing canopy cover and considering other urban requirements.

For example, a city with a hot climate may aim for a higher percentage increase in canopy cover to combat the heat island effect. On the other hand, a city with limited available space may focus on strategically planting trees in key areas to maximize the impact on canopy cover. Engaging with urban planners, environmental experts, and community members can help in setting realistic and effective goals.

Selecting Appropriate Tree Species for Urban Environments

Selecting the right tree species and soil quality is crucial for successful urban forestry initiatives. Not all tree species are suitable for urban environments due to factors such as soil conditions, climate resilience, and maintenance requirements. Researching tree species that thrive in urban environments is essential to ensure long-term success.

Native tree species that are well-adapted to the local climate and soil conditions should be prioritized. These species have a higher chance of survival and require less maintenance. Additionally, choosing a diverse range of tree species helps increase resilience against pests and diseases.

Working with local councils, arborists, horticulturists, and experts can provide valuable insights into selecting appropriate tree species for the city.

Planning Tree Placement Strategically

Strategic tree placement is crucial for maximizing canopy cover and reaping the full benefits of urban trees. It is essential to develop a comprehensive tree planting method that considers available space, proximity to buildings, and shade benefits.

Identify areas in the city where planting trees can have the most significant impact on canopy cover and environmental benefits. These areas may include parks, streets, parking lots, and public spaces. Planting trees near buildings can also provide shade and reduce energy consumption for cooling. By strategically planning tree placement, cities can optimize the positive effects of canopy cover on the urban environment.

Deciduous trees are crucial in creating urban spaces as they respond to the current season and needs of the community. Deciduous trees are trees that shed their leaves, usually during the winter or autumn season where the climate is generally cooler; so you plant deciduous trees so that during the cooler periods the heat from the sun can penetrate into the urban areas to better support and warm the community.

Please refer to our ‘Ultimate guide on how to plant trees in urban areas‘ for more information

Engaging the Community in Canopy Cover Initiatives

Increasing canopy cover in cities requires the active participation of the community, organizations, and stakeholders. Engaging the public in the process not only creates a sense of ownership but also fosters a deeper understanding of the benefits of urban trees.

Involving community members in decision-making processes and seeking their input can help tailor canopy cover initiatives to meet their needs and aspirations. Additionally, educating the public about the benefits of trees and canopy cover is crucial. This can be done through workshops, educational programs, and resources that highlight the positive impacts of urban trees on air quality, temperature regulation, and overall quality of life.

What are Effective Tree Care Practices?

Proper care and maintenance of newly planted trees is crucial for their survival and healthy growth of urban trees.

Regular watering is essential, especially during the establishment phase, to help the trees develop a strong root system you must water where the tree roots current are. Mulching around the base of trees helps retain moisture, suppresses weed growth, and regulates soil temperature.

Related: How to Promote Deeper Root Growth and Drought Tolerance

Additionally, pruning trees as needed promotes healthy growth and removes any damaged or diseased branches. Protecting trees from pests and diseases through appropriate measures, such as regular inspections and treatments, is also necessary to maintain their health and vitality.

Implementing effective tree care practices ensures that the trees thrive and contribute to the increase in canopy cover

Collaborating with Local Organizations and Stakeholders

Collaboration with local organizations, nonprofits, environmental groups, and stakeholders can provide valuable resources, funding, and expertise for increasing canopy cover. Exploring partnerships and leveraging existing networks can help cities implement their canopy cover initiatives more effectively.

Local environmental organizations may have experience and knowledge in urban forestry and can provide guidance on best practices. Government agencies can offer funding opportunities or technical expertise. By collaborating with various stakeholders, cities can tap into a broader range of resources and support, making their canopy cover initiatives more successful.

Monitoring and Evaluating Canopy Cover Progress

Continuous monitoring and evaluation are crucial to assess the progress of increasing canopy cover in the city. Monitoring the growth and health of trees provides valuable insights into the success of the initiatives and helps identify any areas that require improvement.

Regular assessments of canopy cover increase can be conducted using satellite imagery or on-the-ground surveys. Additionally, evaluating the impact of increased canopy cover on temperature reduction, air quality improvement, and overall quality of life in the city provides a holistic understanding of the benefits achieved. This data can guide future efforts and assist in making informed decisions regarding urban forestry initiatives.

Educating the Public about the Benefits of Urban Canopy Cover

Raising awareness about the importance and benefits of increasing canopy cover is essential to garner public support and involvement. Educating the public can be done through various channels such as social media campaigns, educational programs, workshops, and resources.

Highlighting the positive impacts of urban trees on air quality improvement, temperature regulation, and mental well-being can help individuals understand the importance of canopy cover. Encouraging the public to participate in tree planting initiatives and providing them with the necessary knowledge and resources empowers them to take action and contribute to creating a greener future.

Implementing Long-term Maintenance and Expansion Strategies

Increasing canopy cover is a long-term commitment that requires ongoing maintenance and expansion strategies. Planting more trees and implementing sustainable urban forestry practices ensure the continuous growth and health of the urban canopy.

Trees have lifespans decades to centuries long but urban trees have an average lifespan of just 14 years. One of the main reasons urban trees have such low lifespans is due to poor planting locations and lack of access to soil that grows healthy trees. Our Stratavault product sometimes referred to as a soil vault or soil cells is designed to help trees thrive in urban environments by giving the tree access to high quality uncompacted soil at a high volume.

On top of the benefits to the tree, stratavault also stops tree roots from impacting pavements, roads, nearby infrastructure and buildings; helping to eliminate the headache and danger tree roots bring to an underground location as tree roots are notorious for interfering and impacting underground services.

Book a Lunch N Learn with one of our Citygreen Consultants who will take your team through how our services are cooling cities and increasing tree canopy faster then traditional methods.

Continued tree planting initiatives should be integrated into urban planning and development processes. Cities that specify new trees must have a minimum soil volume in their city standards have shown to increase the tree canopy of their city.

This includes incorporating green infrastructure in new developments, retrofitting existing areas with trees, and ensuring the inclusion of urban forestry practices in city policies. Ongoing maintenance practices such as tree pruning, watering, and pest management should be established to ensure the longevity of the urban canopy cover.

Related: How to Calculate Tree Canopy Cover

Celebrating Success and Spreading the Message

Highlighting the achievements and positive impacts of increased canopy cover is crucial for inspiring others and spreading the message of creating greener, healthier, and more sustainable urban environments. Celebrating successes can be done through public events, media coverage, and community engagement.

Engaging with the community and sharing success stories creates a ripple effect, encouraging more individuals, organizations, and cities to prioritize and invest in increasing their canopy cover. By celebrating success, cities can inspire a collective effort towards creating a greener future for all.

Case Study: Penrith City Council ‘Cooling the City’ Strategy

Penrith, a vibrant city in Australia, has been addressing the adverse effects of urban heat on their constituents since they were named the hottest place on earth as they recorded a temperature of 48.9C in 2020 through innovative and community-oriented strategies.

Such initiatives like “Cooling the City,” focused on planting nearly 5,000 trees across six suburbs, strategically targeting areas with low tree cover, higher temperatures, and more vulnerable residents.

They determined the most crucial areas through satellite mapping and cross referenced that with LGA census data to establish areas of low-economic & elderly residences as they are impacted the most by urban heat.

The project extended its scope beyond residential spaces, venturing into industrial estates and workplaces, areas previously overlooked for tree planting due to minimal canopy cover. This initiative not only aimed to cool neighborhoods but also engaged with local businesses, employing careful tree selection by Landscape Architects and offering maintenance guidance to ensure optimal growth.

One standout effort was Penrith Council’s comprehensive community engagement strategy. Recognizing the challenges of integrating trees into urban settings due to various concerns, such as leaf drop and space constraints, the council employed diverse engagement methods.

These included pop-up events, giveaways, and door-to-door interactions, allowing residents to opt-in or out of tree planting in their areas. Additionally, they launched the “Adopt a Tree” program, encouraging residents to plant trees on private properties, piloting with 200 trees, aimed to not only increase canopy cover in low-covered suburbs but also provided resources and guidance for proper tree care, emphasizing a collaborative approach to address urban heat challenges with nature more effectively.

Conclusion

Increasing canopy cover in cities is a vital step towards creating greener, healthier, and more sustainable urban environments. By following a comprehensive step-by-step approach, cities and individuals can make a significant impact on the environment and the well-being of urban dwellers.

It is crucial to assess the current canopy cover, set goals, select appropriate tree species, plan strategically, engage the community, obtain necessary permissions, implement effective tree care practices, collaborate with local organizations, monitor progress, educate the public, implement long-term maintenance strategies, and celebrate success.

Together, we can transform concrete jungles into vibrant green spaces that benefit both people and the planet. Let us take action today and contribute to a greener future.

Additional Resources:

• Urban Forestry and Canopy Cover: A Comprehensive Guide
• Canopy Cover Assessment Tools and Techniques
• Tree City USA Program
• EPA’s Green Infrastructure Toolkit

Frequently Asked Questions

Who can benefit from increasing canopy cover in cities?

Everyone benefits from increased canopy cover, residents, wildlife, businesses, and the environment will all benefit from increased canopy cover in cities.

What is canopy cover and why is it important in cities?

Canopy cover refers to the amount of tree and vegetation coverage in an area. It is important in cities as it helps improve air quality, reduce heat island effect, increase health outcomes for the community and enhance overall livability.

How can construction projects help increase canopy cover in cities?

Construction projects can incorporate green roofs, vertical gardens, and tree planting initiatives to increase canopy cover in cities and new developments and projects. For example car parks are key locations where trees can be better utilised to work as shade barriers against urban heat and absorb car related pollutants

What are some objections to increasing canopy cover in cities?

Some objections may include concerns about maintenance costs, potential damage to infrastructure, or limited space for planting trees. Stratavault solves all these issues as the soil cell stops damage to infrastructure from tree roots, and increased soil volume to trees to ensure the tree grows faster in tough urban conditions.

What is Green Infrastructure?

Green infrastructure refers to urban infrastructure of natural or semi-natural systems strategically designed and implemented to manage water, air quality, biodiversity, and other environmental issues in cities and urban environments. It utilizes natural processes and vegetation to provide diverse ecosystem services, contributing to the overall sustainability and resilience of communities.

Key components of green infrastructure include:

1. Natural Vegetation: This includes parks, forests, wetlands, green roofs, street trees, and other forms of vegetation that help absorb rainwater, mitigate urban heat, improve air quality, and provide habitats for wildlife.
2. Water Management Systems: Green infrastructure incorporates features like rain gardens, bioswales, permeable pavements, and retention ponds to manage stormwater, reduce flooding, and enhance groundwater recharge by allowing water to infiltrate the soil rather than running off into sewers.
3. Urban Design: It involves integrating green spaces and natural elements into urban planning and development, encouraging mixed-use spaces, promoting walkability, and creating connections between green areas to enhance the overall urban environment.
4. Ecosystem Services: Green infrastructure aims to provide a range of services, including improved air and water quality, biodiversity support, climate regulation, carbon sequestration, and enhanced aesthetic and recreational values for communities.

The primary goal of green infrastructure is to mimic and restore natural processes, promoting environmental sustainability while simultaneously offering economic and social benefits to communities. By integrating natural elements into the built environment, green infrastructure helps address environmental challenges, adapt to climate change impacts, and create healthier and more resilient living spaces.

Why are Resilient Cities Important?

Resilient cities are crucial for adapting to ongoing challenges such as climate change, minimizing risks, ensuring socio-economic stability, promoting environmental sustainability, prioritizing public health, and fostering long-term prosperity. Building resilience is an essential step towards creating safer, more sustainable, and thriving urban environments.

Table of Contents

Is Green Infrastructure Important for Urban Planning?

In a nutshell, Yes. Green infrastructure and public spaces play an crucial role in cooling and improving the quality of life and community wellbeing.

• Green infrastructure benefits urban areas by improving air and water quality, reducing the urban heat island effect, enhancing biodiversity, and promoting health.
• Various types of green infrastructure include green roofs, living walls, rain gardens, permeable pavements, urban forests, soil cells, stormwater tree pits, and green spaces.

Defining Green Infrastructure and Its Role in Urban Planning

Green infrastructure, a key concept in urban planning, involves integrating natural elements and processes into urban development. Green Infrastructure aims to reintroduce the environmental lifecycle back into cities and urban environments to improve environmental quality, promote sustainability, and improve the overall well-being of urban communities. Green infrastructure will continue to grow and become a pivotal consideration in local governments and cities are they plan to create liveable, resilient cities by addressing environmental challenges and fostering sustainable growth.

It encompasses a wide range of practices, methodologies, and technologies that are crucial for ensuring the long-term sustainability of cities. Green infrastructure offers a holistic approach to managing urban spaces, taking into account the interconnectedness of natural systems and human activities.

Rapid urbanization has led to significant environmental and social challenges, including air and water pollution, loss of green spaces, and heightened exposure to extreme weather events. Green infrastructure provides a means to counteract these impacts by promoting ecological balance, conserving natural resources, and creating more resilient and livable urban environments.

Benefits of Green Infrastructure in Urban Planning

Improving Air and Water Quality

Green infrastructure improves air and water quality within urban areas. Green spaces act as natural filters, capturing pollutants and mitigating the effects of air pollution. Additionally, green infrastructure features, such as bioswales and rain gardens, help manage stormwater and enhance water quality.

Reducing Urban Heat Island Effect

Urban heat islands pose significant challenges for urban residents. Green infrastructure, including green roofs and tree canopies, helps mitigate the urban heat island effect by providing shade, reducing surface temperatures, and promoting evaporative cooling, creating more comfortable and thermally balanced urban environments.

Enhancing Biodiversity and Ecosystem Services

By integrating green infrastructure, cities can support biodiversity and enhance ecosystem services. Urban green spaces and corridors provide habitats for diverse plant and animal species, contributing to the preservation of local biodiversity. Furthermore, green infrastructure promotes ecosystem services such as pollination, carbon sequestration, and natural pest control.

Mitigating Climate Change Effects

Green infrastructure plays a vital role in mitigating the impacts of climate change within urban areas. By increasing vegetation cover and promoting sustainable water management, green infrastructure helps reduce greenhouse gas emissions, combat urban heat, and enhance the overall resilience of cities in the face of changing climatic conditions.

Promoting Health and Well-being for Urban Residents

The presence of green infrastructure in urban settings has been linked to numerous health benefits for urban residents. Access to green spaces and natural environments has been associated with reduced stress, improved mental well-being, increased physical activity, and overall enhanced quality of life.

Benefits of Green Infrastructure	Types of Green Infrastructure
Improving Air and Water Quality	Green Roofs
Reducing Urban Heat Island Effect	Rain Gardens and Bioswales
Enhancing Biodiversity and Ecosystem Services	Permeable Pavements and Green Streets
Mitigating Climate Change Effects	Urban Forests and Tree Canopies
Promoting Health and Well-being for Urban Residents	Green Spaces and Parks
Increases the property value of through trees	Blue-Green Infrastructure for Stormwater Management

Types of Green Infrastructure that help Cities the Most

Trees

Adding trees to urban spaces, plazas, streets, city blocks, downtown CBDs, is probably the most effective way to cool urban spaces and increase the liveability of our cities.

Trees provide immense benefits to a community, far beyond just aesthetic value. They offer immediate shade to protect against the heat of the sun. Through transpiration from their leaves, they cool surrounding areas. Their root systems and leaves absorb particular matter and pollutants from both air and soil. Trees improve physical and mental health by encouraging outdoor recreation in their cool shade. Increased green canopy has even been shown to sharpen mental cognition.

Additionally, trees support biodiversity by sustaining natural ecosystems. In all these ways, planting the right trees can greatly enhance urban spaces.

Related: Why we need Trees in our Cities?

Green Roofs

Green roofs can offer similar benefits to trees but add value as they can be planted on roofs to help dissipate the urban heat island effect as a major factor in creating the heat island is the reflection of heat from hardscapes such as cement, roads, and rooftops back into the atmosphere. The installation of vegetation on rooftops, provide benefits such as improved insulation, stormwater management, heat island mitigation, and the creation of urban wildlife habitats.

Rain Gardens and Bioswales

Rain gardens and bioswales are designed to capture and absorb stormwater, preventing runoff and reducing the burden on traditional drainage systems, thereby improving water quality. A new innovation in this space is connecting the stormwater system into the soil cells that hold trees. This gives the trees access to on-site water reducing the need for external irrigation, improves the quality of the water as the tree through its tree roots and soil clean the water of pollutants. Excess water now cleaned by the tree can be stored in a pit under the tree and released back into the cities sewerage system at a later date reducing the impacts of high level rain events and flash flooding.

Permeable Pavements and Green Streets

Permeable pavements and green streets allow water to infiltrate the ground, reducing surface runoff and contributing to groundwater recharge while minimizing flooding risks.

Urban Forests and Tree Canopies

Urban forests and tree canopies play a crucial role in mitigating air pollution, providing shade, and enhancing the aesthetic appeal of urban landscapes.

Environmental Benefits:

• Trees help reduce the urban heat island effect by providing shade and cooling through evapotranspiration. This allows urban planners to plan for less electricity usage for cooling.
• Trees absorb air pollution, store carbon, and filter particulates which improves air quality. This enables healthier urban population densities.
• Tree canopies slow and reduce stormwater runoff, reducing strain on drainage systems. This allows smarter water management systems.
• Trees provide wildlife habitat, enabling the incorporation of biodiversity in urban planning.

Economic Benefits:

• Studies show property values increase with more surrounding trees and greenery. This provides higher property tax bases.
• Trees provide natural noise reduction capabilities, enabling closer proximities between certain land uses.
• Tree-lined retail areas have shown increased sales and attraction of businesses. This spurs economic revitalization.

Social Benefits:

• Access to trees and green space provides mental/physical community health benefits. This allows for planning recreational spaces.
• Trees provide natural privacy separation between incompatible land uses.
• Urban forests aid in placemaking and establishing community identify and pride.

What is Blue-Green Infrastructure for Stormwater Management?

Blue-green infrastructure integrates natural and engineered water systems to manage stormwater, reducing flood risks and enhancing water quality in urban areas.

The stormwater management potential of blue-green infrastructure in reorganizing our cities to be more resilient is a powerful concept as we can harness the power of natural processes to capture and filter rainwater right where it falls. Just imagine—rain gardens, green roofs, and bioswales of lush native vegetation growing our city, beautifying neighborhoods while putting stormwater to work!

This approach relies on the water-cleaning talents already found in soils and plants. It’s a decentralized network that keeps working even when one part fails. And it can adapt to handle bigger storms coming our way with climate change as Trees can absorb between 10 and 150 gallons of water daily.

Beyond stormwater perks like less flooding and pollution, blue-green infrastructure also provides habitat, cleaner air, urban heat relief—really boosting quality of life for all inhabitants across our communities.

Implementing it takes some upfront planning to get plant and soil selections right. But once established, the nature-centric approach lets vegetation and microbiology do the water treatment work for us! Plus, the infrastructure cost savings are substantial when you consider the pipe and treatment plant alternatives over the lifetime value of the project because as the trees and green spaces continue to grow the benefits just compound.

At Citygreen we’re convinced blue-green infrastructure is the sustainable, resilient way forward for both stormwater and the livability of our public spaces.”

If you’re interested in partnering with us to help create sustainable stormwater management solutions for your project. Use our Contact form below and one of our Urban Greening Consultants will be in touch.

Case Studies

Successful Implementation of Green Infrastructure in a Car Park

Several cities have successfully implemented green infrastructure projects, such as New York City’s High Line and Singapore’s Gardens by the Bay, demonstrating the transformative potential of green infrastructure in urban environments.

Positive Impacts and Transformations Resulting from Green Infrastructure Integration

The integration of green infrastructure improves urban resilience, enhanced environmental quality, and the revitalization of communities, fostering a new era of sustainable urban development. Watch our above case study on how a new sporting development in Edmonton, Canada used soil cells and trees to capture stormwater to support the cooling of parked trees and reduce the strain on the cities municipality system.

Challenges and Barriers of Green Infrastructure for Urban Planning

Education and Community Engagement

The lack of public awareness and education poses a barrier to implementing more green infrastructure as a lot of greenery is seen as a purely aesthetic value and the majority of stormwater infrastructure lives underground away from prying eyes so aware is lower compared to other strategies.:

1. There may be misconceptions about effectiveness. Without seeing successful examples or understanding the water management capabilities of natural systems, the public may doubt whether green infrastructure can handle stormwater at the necessary scale or provide sufficient flood protection. Communicating proven results is key.
2. Aesthetic concerns may arise. Bioswales, rain gardens, and other green systems look much different than conventional pipes and concrete channels. Some residents may perceive the vegetation and soil to be unkept or not properly “engineered”. Showcasing attractive, well-maintained projects can overcome this bias.
3. There tends to be familiarity with the status quo gray infrastructure, but less knowledge of decentralizing systems that distribute absorption and infiltration capacities across neighborhoods. Explaining the logic and localized benefits (like cooler parks) facilitates acceptance.
4. Funding proposals for novel approaches face skepticism if people don’t grasp the multiple functions provided, from stormwater management to community wellness perks. Quantifying budget savings vs gray infrastructure, recreational use values, air quality indexes, etc. builds a stronger case.

Limited Space and Land Use Conflicts

The limited availability of space and conflicts with existing land uses present challenges for the integration of green infrastructure, requiring innovative solutions to optimize spatial utilization. This is a key reason soil cells like stratavault and stratacell can be so beneficial in a project due to the value add of managing stormwater while supporting the tree roots.

Economic Costs and Financial Incentives

The upfront costs associated with green infrastructure implementation can pose financial challenges for cities, developers, and specifiers, as there are many stakeholders in large scale projects, so emphasizing the need for financial incentives and innovative funding mechanisms to support sustainable urban development. But the legacy of a green space or tree that will continue to support it’s community for the next 50 years is a key investment worth fighting for.

Regulatory and Institutional Obstacles

Lack of Regulatory practices and institutional complexities may impede the seamless integration of green infrastructure, necessitating green policies and the streamlining of administrative processes will help increases the green liveability of your local community and cities helping to reach climate targets sooner.

Addressing Equity and Social Justice Concerns

Equity considerations are critical in ensuring that green infrastructure benefits are equitably distributed across diverse communities, necessitating inclusive and equitable planning approaches. Lower socio-economic areas generally have less green canopy which exacerbates issues such as urban heat, cooling, and medical health problems.

Policy and Planning Considerations

Government Policies and Regulatory Frameworks

Government policies and regulatory frameworks play a pivotal role in facilitating the integration of green infrastructure, requiring supportive policies, incentives, and standards for sustainable urban development.

Integrated Urban Planning Approaches

Integrated urban planning approaches that prioritize green infrastructure can optimize land use, enhance environmental quality, and promote the efficient use of resources within urban areas.

Zoning and Land Use Planning for Green Infrastructure

Zoning and land use planning strategies can be leveraged to incentivize and mandate the incorporation of green infrastructure elements into urban development projects, ensuring the systematic integration of sustainable practices.

Community Engagement and Education

Importance of Community Participation in Green Infrastructure Projects

Community participation is essential for the success of green infrastructure projects, emphasizing the need for inclusive decision-making processes and the active involvement of local residents.

Public Awareness and Education Campaigns

Public awareness and education campaigns can foster a deeper understanding of the benefits of green infrastructure, mobilizing support and advocacy for sustainable urban development initiatives. Penrith City Council ran a deep public campaign to its community around the benefits of trees to help increase the uptake of free tree plantings in their front yard.

Collaborative Decision-making Processes

Collaborative decision-making processes involving stakeholders and local communities can lead to more informed and inclusive urban planning, ensuring that diverse perspectives are considered in green infrastructure projects.

Collaboration and Partnerships

Engaging Stakeholders and Local Communities

Engaging a diverse range of stakeholders, including residents, businesses, and community organizations, fosters collaborative partnerships and ensures that green infrastructure projects are aligned with local needs and priorities.

Public-Private Partnerships for Green Infrastructure Initiatives

Public-private partnerships offer opportunities for leveraging resources and expertise, facilitating the implementation of green infrastructure projects and promoting innovative financing models.

Multi-sectoral Collaboration and Networking

Multi-sectoral collaboration and networking enable the integration of diverse perspectives and expertise, fostering holistic and innovative approaches to green infrastructure planning and implementation. to further this goal we created the ‘Where the Shade hits the Pavement’ event to get the top professional in a range of industries to come speak to how we can improve the cooling and liveability of our cities.

See the full talks from the day here.

Future Trends and Innovations

Smart Technologies and Data-driven Planning for Green Infrastructure

The integration of smart technologies and data-driven planning processes can optimize the design and management of green infrastructure, enhancing its effectiveness and adaptability in evolving urban environments.

Nature-based Solutions and Biophilic Urban Design

The adoption of nature-based solutions and biophilic urban design principles can further enhance the integration of green infrastructure, creating urban environments that prioritize nature, human well-being, and ecological resilience.

Innovative Financing Models for Sustainable Urban Development

Innovative financing models, such as green bonds and impact investing, offer opportunities to secure funding for green infrastructure initiatives, supporting the long-term sustainability of urban development projects.

Summary of Key Points and Key Takeaways

Green infrastructure will plays a pivotal role in shaping sustainable and resilient cities,

Emphasizing the Role of Green Infrastructure in Shaping Sustainable and Resilient Cities

The integration of green infrastructure is essential for addressing the challenges of urbanization, fostering environmental stewardship, and creating cities that are adaptive, sustainable, and inclusive.

Call to Action for Integrating Green Infrastructure into Future Urban Planning Initiatives

A call to action is issued for the integration of green infrastructure into future urban planning initiatives, emphasizing the imperative of prioritizing sustainable and resilient urban development.

Resources and Further Reading

Recommended Books, Research Papers, and Websites for Deeper Exploration

For readers interested in delving deeper into the topic of green infrastructure and urban planning, the following resources are recommended for further exploration:

• “Green Infrastructure: A Landscape Approach” by David C. Rouse
• “Designing for Hope: Pathways to Regenerative Sustainability” by Dominique Hes and Chrisna du Plessis
• The Nature Conservancy’s Urban Conservation web page
• The U.S. Environmental Protection Agency’s Green Infrastructure website

Links to Organizations and Resources Supporting Green Infrastructure and Urban Planning

For access to additional information and support related to green infrastructure and urban planning, the following organizations and online resources are valuable references:

• The International Society of Arboriculture (ISA)
• The American Society of Landscape Architects (ASLA)
• The World Green Infrastructure Network (WGIN)
• The United Nations Human Settlements Programme (UN-Habitat)

In conclusion, the integration of green infrastructure is essential for building resilient, sustainable, and livable cities. By addressing environmental challenges, promoting community well-being, and fostering innovation, green infrastructure offers a pathway to shaping the future of urban development in harmony with nature.

Answers To Common Questions

Who benefits from green infrastructure in urban planning?

Green infrastructure benefits both city residents and the environment by improving air and water quality.

What is the role of green infrastructure in urban planning?

Green infrastructure in urban planning involves integrating natural elements like parks and green roofs to manage stormwater and reduce heat islands.

How does green infrastructure impact urban planning?

Green infrastructure impacts urban planning by promoting sustainability, enhancing resilience, and creating healthier urban environments.

What are the challenges of implementing green infrastructure in urban planning?

One challenge is the initial cost, but long-term benefits such as reduced maintenance costs and improved public health can outweigh this.

How can cities overcome objections to green infrastructure in urban planning?

Cities can overcome objections by educating stakeholders about the long-term benefits and cost savings associated with green infrastructure.

Who is responsible for implementing green infrastructure in urban planning?

At a high level the asset owners are responsible for creating a cool liveable space. Urban planners, city officials, and community stakeholders all play a role in implementing green infrastructure in urban planning

In urban and suburban settings, trees can provide shade and beauty, but their roots often pose a significant threat to pavements, causing unsightly and hazardous uplifts. This guide explores effective strategies to prevent and address pavement lift from tree roots. Learn how to protect your hardscape, ensure safety, and maintain curb appeal while ensuring your trees are an actual benefit to your urban space.

Related: Top Products for Tree Root Management

What is Pavement Lift?

Pavement lift refers to the situation where sections or segments of paved surfaces, such as roads, sidewalks, or driveways, are raised or uplifted unevenly and has been displaced from its original position due to external factors.

What is Root Heave?

Root heave is a phenomenon where tree roots beneath the ground exert upward pressure as they search for nutrients, water and oxygen, causing pavements and urban infrastructure like sidewalks and driveways to lift and crack. This can lead to safety hazards and aesthetic issues, making it crucial to understand and address how to plant a tree to avoid root heave

How to Stop Root Heave?

Preventing root heave is far more effective and cheaper than dealing with it after the fact. By adopting the right strategies and planting techniques below, you can avoid the costly upheaval and damage caused by tree roots, ensuring the longevity of your pavement.

Ways to Prevent Tree Roots Causing Pavement Lift

Safeguarding your sidewalks from tree root damage requires a thoughtful proactive approach before the tree is even planted in the ground. Below we’ve detailed several methods that can be employed to prevent tree roots from undermining the stability of your pavement and urban infrastructure.

Use Soil Vault Systems

Using Soil vaults systems otherwise known as soil cells such as those developed by Citygreen allow tree roots to grow in ideal growing conditions while protecting surround infrastructure from tree root disturbances.

A top use case for soil vault systems is that it is rated for vehicle loads so it’s great for street pavements, carparks, and stormwater management.

Download the free Stratavault PDF Tech sheet to better understand how to use stratavault soil cells to stop pavement heave and grow better urban trees.

Proper Positioning of your Trees

Choosing the right location for tree planting is essential to prevent root-related problems. Proper positioning can minimize conflicts between tree roots and sidewalks, leading to a harmonious coexistence.

Properly positioning trees to avoid pavement lift and reduce conflicts with sidewalks and pavements is a critical step in urban tree management. Start by selecting tree species with non-invasive root systems, and consult with local experts for guidance. Reach out to your local government parks department or urban forester as they will be more then happy to send you a list of trees that are ideal for growing in your local climate.

Maintain a safe distance of at least five to ten feet between the tree base and nearby hardscape, allowing roots to develop without initially compromising pavement stability. Analyze soil conditions to ensure well-draining soil with adequate organic matter, which encourages healthy root growth away from pavements. We recommend using loamy soil but you can see our article on choosing the best soil for your tree here.

Plant trees at the right depth, avoiding shallow planting that may lead to horizontal root spread and deeper planting to promote root growth away from the surface. Regularly monitor root growth patterns and consider professional assistance to assess local conditions and choose suitable species and planting techniques. Well-structured tree pits with features like root barriers and proper drainage can direct root growth downwards away from infrastructure, ensuring a harmonious coexistence.

Related: How do Tree Roots Behave?

Bridging

Bridging is a technique that creates a buffer zone between tree roots and pavements. This method involves installing materials that allow roots to grow beneath the sidewalk without causing upheaval. Creating a slope for your sidewalk involves the strategic use of posts, piers, or arch supports. These supports serve as the foundation for laying the sidewalk material, leaving deliberate space for the roots to grow beneath without causing disruptions.

One notable benefit of root bridging is its capacity to preserve existing tree roots, ensuring their continued health and enhancing overall stability. The choice of bridging materials can vary based on specific project requirements, including desired height, repair area length, and available budget. Commonly employed materials encompass wood, concrete, and composite materials.

However, it’s important to note that the design and construction of root bridging can be a relatively costly endeavor. In cases where the bridge elevation aligns with a typical step height (approximately 6 to 8 inches) relative to the surrounding grade, the installation of safety railings may be necessary. In certain scenarios, the incorporation of soil can be employed to seamlessly blend the bridge edge with the surrounding terrain, effectively eliminating any abrupt step-off points.

As root bridging can be expensive and incorporate alot of safety factors, it’s better to plan your tree planting to ensure that the trees roots have the best chance of growing deeper to never distrub the surface.

Root Barriers

Barriers such as Root Directors or Reroot Barriers are a great preventative measure designed to direct and guide exploring roots down and away from services and infrastructure. They are best installed when the tree is newly planted so when the roots expand and reach the barriers they will be directed deeper into the soil instead of staying in the upper levels of the soil.

Installing Snorkils also help greatly in enticing the tree roots to explore downwards to help avoid pavement lift as the Snorkil gives access to oxygen and water at a lower depth so the roots don’t have to keep near the surface to access the nutrients it needs to survive.

Reinforcing Collars

Similar to Root Barriers reinforcing sidewalks with concrete collars or gravel aggregate helps deter tree roots from growing beneath them, thus preventing damage and upheaval.

Additionally, adding a layer of compacted gravel or pebbles beneath the sidewalk can create a path for tree roots to follow, reducing the likelihood of pavement damage as tree roots prefer to grow in the path of least resistance.

e.g. Trees roots grow faster in uncompacted soil when compared to compacted soil due to the tree having to expend less energy to push through the soil in search of oxygen, nutrients, and water.

Tree Removal

In cases where tree roots pose an imminent threat to pavements, roads or infrastructure; where there is direct safety issues involved, tree removal or relocation may be a necessary but last resort option to prevent further damage.

What to Avoid When Dealing with Tree Roots

Understanding what not to do when dealing with tree roots is as crucial as knowing the right techniques. Certain actions can exacerbate the problem and lead to more significant damage.

For example, removing too much of a tree root could create a void space that can no longer support the above pavement which cause create further issues.

Tree Care Services Can Help Prevent Damage to Your Property

Professional tree care services can provide expert guidance and assistance in managing tree roots and preventing damage to your property. Their expertise can be invaluable in maintaining both your trees and pavements.

Tree Roots Pushing Up Driveway – What To Do

If tree roots are causing your driveway to heave and crack, specific actions can help address the issue, restoring the functionality and appearance of your driveway.

First Signs of Tree Root Damage

Recognizing the early signs of tree root damage is essential to address the issue promptly.

The initial signs of tree root damage to pavements and driveways can vary depending on the severity of the issue, but common early indicators include cracks, uneven surfaces, and pavement shifting.

The most noticeable sign of such damage is often cracking or sections of pavement lift that are uneven or lifted. These issues can pose trip hazards and make walking or driving difficult.

In some cases, instead of uplifting, the pavement may sink or settle due to soil erosion caused by root growth. As roots expand beneath the pavement, they can create an uneven surface or pockets of air below the pavement and make it challenging to walk or drive smoothly.

Advanced cases may even reveal visible tree roots breaking through the pavement surface or pushing it upwards. Additionally, the pressure from tree roots can not only damage the pavement but also lead to cracks in nearby structures like retaining walls, curbs, or foundations.

Plan Ahead to Avoid Tree Root Damage to Urban Infrastructure

Effective planning and design are key to avoiding tree root damage causing pavement lift. By taking precautions during the initial stages, you can prevent future issues.

At Citygreen, we are the industry leaders in designing urban landscapes that protect both the tree and the urban infrastructure. If you are looking to understand the range of tools you can employ to reduce tree root damage over the long term we recommend booking a 1-hour discovery call with our team.

Kill the Tree Root with Copper Sulfate

Copper sulfate, a cost-effective herbicide and algaecide, is commonly used to clear tree roots from sewer lines and pavements. However, before use, check local regulations due to its potential toxicity and environmental impact. Inspect your local area to assess the root infestation’s severity. Be cautious around pets, as it can be toxic to animals.

Test the sewer line by flushing the toilet, and repeat treatments if needed. Periodically flush copper sulfate to prevent new root invasions, and consult various references for further information on its use.

Remove the Root

Removing the offending tree root is a direct but sometimes necessary solution to eliminate damage and upheaval caused by tree roots. ensure the structural integrity of the tree isn’t compromised.

Landscape architects are experts in designing and creating beautiful, sustainable landscapes. One of the essential components of their work is planting trees in urban environments. Trees provide numerous benefits to the urban environment, including enhancing air quality, reducing stormwater runoff, and providing shade and habitat for wildlife. In this section, we will explore how landscape architects plant trees and the techniques they use to ensure their success.

Key Takeaways:

• Landscape architects play a crucial role in planting trees to create sustainable and healthy environments.
• Proper selection of tree species, planting techniques, and maintenance are essential for the long-term health of trees.
• Landscape architects navigate unique challenges when planting trees in urban environments.
• By following best practices in tree planting, we can contribute to a greener and healthier future.

The Importance of Tree Planting for Urban Landscapes

Tree planting is an essential component of creating sustainable and healthy environments, especially in urban areas. Landscape architects follow best practices to ensure the successful establishment and growth of trees, including sustainable tree planting and urban tree planting.

One of the critical tree planting best practices is selecting appropriate tree species. Landscape architects carefully choose the tree species that are well-suited to the local climate and site conditions. They prefer native tree species as they provide numerous benefits, such as supporting local wildlife and improving biodiversity.

Soil and tree root preparation is crucial for sustainable tree planting. Landscape architects use innovative techniques like soil cells, such as Stratavault or soil vault systems, to ensure adequate space for root growth and improve soil quality. This is especially important in urban areas where soil compaction and pollution can be a significant challenge.

Tree roots are opportunistic, seeking out favorable growing conditions. Moisture trapped beneath impermeable pavements, oxygenated sand layers, moist conditions in service trenches, cracks in road pavements and curbs- these are some areas that tree roots will explore to satisfy the life needs of the tree which leads to pavement and infrastructure damage.

Landscape architects also employ various tree planting techniques to ensure proper tree planting. This includes preparing the hole properly, handling the root ball, and planting the tree at the correct depth. These techniques promote healthy root development and establish strong trees.

Proper maintenance is crucial for the long-term health of planted trees. Landscape architects monitor the trees for signs of stress, pests, or diseases. They provide necessary pruning, fertilization, and irrigation to ensure optimal growth and resilience. Moreover, they also consider factors like site conditions and tree spacing to optimize the tree’s health and longevity.

Overall, landscape architects prioritize sustainability in tree planting projects to ensure that the planted trees contribute to a resilient and environmentally friendly landscape. By following their best practices, we can contribute to a greener and healthier future.

Selecting Tree Species for your Landscape

When it comes to planting trees, landscape architects carefully consider which tree species to select. Native tree species are often preferred, as they are better adapted to the local climate and conditions and can provide numerous benefits. In fact, selecting the right species can make all the difference in the success of a tree planting project.

Native trees also support local wildlife and improve biodiversity. They are often hardier than non-native species, able to withstand harsh weather conditions and local pests and diseases. Additionally, native species are more likely to support the specific ecology of the area, including pollinators like bees and butterflies.

Related: Best Species for Reducing Air Pollution

However, it’s not just about selecting native species. Landscape architects also take into account factors such as tree growth rate, size, and appearance to ensure the right tree is selected for the right location. They also consider the soil conditions and water availability, as well as any potential hazards that may impact the growth of the tree.

By carefully selecting the appropriate tree species, landscape architects can create healthier and more resilient urban forests. Not only do these trees provide environmental benefits, but they also contribute to the beauty of our urban landscapes.

Tree Planting Techniques

Proper tree planting techniques are essential for successful tree growth and development. Landscape architects utilize various methods to ensure optimal tree health.

One crucial technique is proper hole preparation. The hole should be dug to the appropriate depth and width, allowing enough space for the roots to spread out. The root ball should be handled carefully to prevent damage. The edge of the root ball should be lightly hand brushed to bring all the fine roots out and larger structural roots at the edge of the root ball should be pruned if their roots are facing inward to avoid root swirl. We do this to ensure once the tree is planted in it’s new surroundings new growth is focused on growing outwards into new soil.

Correct planting depth is also important. The topmost root of the tree should sit slightly above the soil level to prevent it from suffocating. After planting, the soil should be carefully compacted to eliminate air pockets and provide support for the young tree.

Overall, landscape architects should follow specific tree planting methods that ensure the long-term success of the planted trees.

Soil Preparation and Soil Cells

Landscape architects understand the critical role of soil preparation in ensuring successful tree planting. They use innovative techniques like soil cells to improve soil quality and provide adequate space for root growth, promoting healthy trees.

Related: How much Soil do Street Trees Need?

Soil cells are a specially designed system that provides structural support for pavements and surfaces while simultaneously providing ample space for root growth and water drainage. Stratavault and soil vault systems are examples of these systems that feature an interlocking matrix design that creates ideal conditions for soil moisture and movement.

Advantages of Soil Cells	Disadvantages of Soil Cells
* Improved soil structure and quality * Prolonged tree lifespan * Enhanced stormwater infiltration and drainage * Reduced soil compaction and increased porosity * Prevents root damage from construction or digging * Lower lifetime maintenance cost of surrounding infrastructure	* High initial installation cost

By using soil vault systems such as those created by Citygreen, landscape architects can promote healthy tree growth and create sustainable landscapes that benefit both the environment and the community.

Tree Planting Best Practices

Related: Ultimate Guide on How to Plant Trees in Urban Areas

Planting a tree is more than just digging a hole and dropping in the sapling. It requires careful consideration and attention to detail to ensure the tree has the best chance of thriving for years to come. Here are some best practices for tree planting:

• Proper Mulching: Adding a layer of organic mulch around the base of the tree can help retain moisture and suppress weeds. However, make sure to keep the mulch away from the trunk to prevent rot.
• Adequate Watering: Newly planted trees require regular watering to establish their root system. Depending on the climate and soil conditions, this may mean watering daily or a few times per week.
• Regular Maintenance: Trees require ongoing care, such as pruning and fertilization, to maintain their health and shape. Regular inspection for pests and diseases is also critical to prevent issues from becoming more severe.
• Site Conditions: Consider the specific site conditions, such as sun exposure and soil type, when selecting and planting trees. This will help ensure the tree is well-suited to its environment and has the best chance of thriving.
• Tree Spacing: Proper tree spacing is crucial to avoid overcrowding and competition for resources. Landscape architects consider factors such as mature tree size, growth rate, and root system when determining appropriate spacing.

By following these best practices, you can help ensure the long-term health and success of your newly planted trees.

Maintaining Tree Health

Proper maintenance is essential for ensuring the long-term health and vitality of planted trees. Landscape architects follow specific best practices when it comes to tree planting, and these practices extend to tree maintenance as well.

One of the most critical aspects of tree maintenance is monitoring the trees for signs of stress, pests, or diseases. Early detection and treatment are essential to prevent further damage and maintain optimal tree health. Landscape architects also provide necessary pruning, fertilization, and irrigation to promote healthy growth and resilience.

When it comes to pruning, it’s important to follow industry best practices. Incorrect pruning techniques can lead to damage and even death of the tree. Landscape architects use specialized tools and techniques to remove dead or diseased branches, promote proper growth, and maintain the tree’s overall health.

Fertilization is another critical aspect of tree maintenance. Landscape architects apply appropriate fertilizer to provide essential nutrients to the tree’s roots, promoting vigorous growth and a healthy canopy. Proper watering is also crucial, with landscape architects recommending deep and infrequent watering to promote root growth and water efficiency.

In addition to these best practices, landscape architects also consider factors like site conditions and tree spacing when it comes to tree maintenance. They take steps to prevent damage caused by lawn equipment or other external factors and ensure that the tree has adequate space to grow without competing with nearby trees or infrastructure.

In summary, proper maintenance is essential for the long-term health and vitality of planted trees. Landscape architects follow specific best practices when it comes to pruning, fertilization, and watering, and monitor trees for signs of stress, pests, and disease. By following these practices, they ensure that planted trees thrive and contribute to the overall beauty and sustainability of our landscapes.

Ensuring Sustainability

Landscape architects understand the importance of planting trees with sustainability in mind. They consider factors such as water efficiency, carbon sequestration, and the overall ecological impact when designing a planting project.

By selecting appropriate tree species and employing proper planting techniques, landscape architects create healthy ecosystems that provide numerous benefits to the environment and local communities.

But sustainability doesn’t end with the planting phase. Proper maintenance, such as regular pruning and fertilization, helps promote long-term growth and ensures the trees continue to provide environmental benefits for years to come.

By prioritizing sustainable tree planting, landscape architects contribute to a healthier and more resilient future for our planet.

Urban Tree Planting Challenges

Planting trees in urban areas can be challenging due to various factors. Landscape architects face obstacles such as limited space, soil compaction, and pollution that can affect the growth and health of trees. Despite these challenges, there are innovative techniques that can help overcome these issues.

One of the main challenges of urban tree planting is limited space. In urban environments, space is at a premium, and finding adequate space to plant trees can be a challenge. Landscape architects use techniques such as vertical planting, tree pits, and raised planter beds to create more space for tree growth.

Soil compaction is another issue that landscape architects face when planting trees in urban areas. Compacted soil can limit root growth and the ability of trees to absorb water and nutrients. Landscape architects use techniques such as soil aeration and the installation of soil cells, like Stratavault or soil vault systems, to provide more space for root growth and improve soil quality to ensure trees have the best possible conditions to thrive in urban environments.

Pollution is also a major concern when planting trees in urban environments. Air pollution can damage leaves and limit growth, while soil pollution can affect the health of tree roots. Landscape architects choose tree species that are resistant to pollution and use air and soil filtration systems to improve air and water quality.

Despite these challenges, landscape architects are committed to creating green urban environments through sustainable tree planting practices. By utilizing innovative techniques and selecting the right tree species, they can build thriving urban forests that make our cities healthier, more resilient, and more beautiful.

Conclusion

In conclusion, landscape architects are an essential part of creating sustainable and healthy environments by planting trees. By following their best practices and techniques, they ensure the successful establishment and growth of urban green spaces. From selecting appropriate tree species to employing proper planting techniques, landscape architects play a critical role in establishing thriving urban forests. Their expertise in maintaining tree health and ensuring sustainability contributes to a greener and healthier future for us all. Through their dedication and hard work, landscape architects demonstrate how planting trees can positively impact our communities and the environment. So, if you want to learn how landscape architects plant trees and help create a greener future, keep exploring and discovering!

FAQ

How do landscape architects plant trees?

Landscape architects plant trees using various techniques, such as proper hole preparation, handling root balls, and ensuring the correct planting depth. These techniques promote healthy root development and establish strong trees.

Why is tree planting important?

Tree planting is important because it contributes to creating sustainable and healthy environments. Landscape architects follow best practices to ensure successful tree establishment and growth in urban areas, considering factors such as soil conditions, water availability, and selecting appropriate tree species.

How do landscape architects select tree species for planting?

Landscape architects carefully choose tree species that are well-suited to the local climate and conditions. Native tree species are often preferred as they are adapted to the environment and provide numerous benefits, such as supporting local wildlife and improving biodiversity.

What techniques do landscape architects use for tree planting?

Landscape architects employ various techniques for tree planting, including proper hole preparation, root ball handling, and ensuring the correct planting depth. These techniques help promote healthy root development and establish strong trees.

What is soil preparation and how does it relate to tree planting?

Soil preparation is an essential step in successful tree planting. Landscape architects may use innovative techniques like soil cells, such as Stratavault or soil vault systems, to provide adequate space for root growth and improved soil quality.

What are some tree planting best practices?

Landscape architects follow specific best practices when planting trees, including proper mulching, adequate watering, and regular maintenance. They also consider site conditions and tree spacing to optimize tree health and longevity.

How do landscape architects maintain tree health?

Landscape architects monitor planted trees for signs of stress, pests, or diseases and provide necessary pruning, fertilization, and irrigation to ensure optimal growth and resilience.

How does tree planting contribute to sustainability?

Landscape architects prioritize sustainability in tree planting projects, considering factors like water efficiency, carbon sequestration, and overall ecological impact. This ensures that planted trees contribute to a resilient and environmentally friendly landscape.

What are the challenges of urban tree planting?

Urban environments pose unique challenges for tree planting, such as limited space, soil compaction, and pollution. Landscape architects employ innovative techniques to overcome these challenges and create thriving urban forests.

How do landscape architects contribute to creating sustainable landscapes?

Landscape architects play a critical role in planting trees and creating sustainable landscapes. Their expertise in selecting tree species, employing proper planting techniques, and ensuring long-term tree health results in beautiful and thriving urban green spaces.

Key Takeaways

1. Urban Trees Improve Communities:
   Planting trees in urban areas offers various benefits such as improving air quality, reducing the urban heat island effect, supporting biodiversity, enhancing property values, and promoting physical and mental health within communities.
2. Actionable Steps for Planting Urban Trees:
   Identifying suitable planting locations, selecting appropriate tree species adapted to the local climate, increasing soil quality and volume with soil cells, and educating the community on the benefits of trees.
3. Create a Long Term Maintenance Plan:
   Proper maintenance involving regular watering, pruning, monitoring for pests and diseases, and ongoing community engagement are essential for the health and longevity of planted trees. Councils should employ

Are you looking for ways to increase greenery in your city? As worldwide urban tree specialist with over 30 years, Citygreen can attest to the benefits of planting more trees in urban areas.

Not only do they help to improve air quality, reduce the urban heat island effect, but they also provide habitat for wildlife, improve the physical and mental health outcomes for local communities, and increase property values. In this overview,

Do you want to increase tree canopy and cool your city? Citygreen has worldwide expertise in planting methods that growing trees faster then traditional planting methods

Book a free 1-hour design workshop for you and your team with our urban greening consultants.

Our consultants will:

• Understand your current tree canopy challenges
• Bring clarity around the best urban planting methods
• How to integrate green blue infrastructure into your city

Top Benefits of Planting Urban Trees

The benefits of planting trees in urban areas are numerous and far-reaching. Trees help to improve air quality by absorbing pollutants such as nitrogen dioxide, sulfur dioxide, and fine particulate matter. They also help to sequester carbon, which is important for mitigating the effects of climate change.

Additionally, trees help to reduce the urban heat island effect, which occurs when cities are significantly warmer than surrounding rural areas due to the heat absorbed and reflected by buildings, pavement, and hardscaped surfaces. Trees combat the heat by providing shade and evapotranspiration, which helps to cool urban areas and reduce the amount of energy required for air conditioning.

Urban trees help increase biodiversity and support local ecosystems, providing habitat for wildlife, including birds, insects, small mammals, and clean the surrounding soil and air of pollutants and particulates. This is especially important in urban areas, where natural green space is often limited and runoff from hardscaped surfaces, infrastructure and cars has detrimental effects to the community.

How to Grow Better Urban Trees

Hear from Ross Clark, the man who wrote the standard on growing trees in Australia. Ross Clark recently spoke at our event ‘Where the Shade hits the Pavement’ on how to grow better urban trees.

Identifying Suitable Areas for Planting Trees in Urban Areas

Identifying suitable planting locations is an important step in planting more trees in urban areas. Areas that lack greenery and could benefit from more trees include parks, sidewalks, residential areas, and public spaces.

For example, Penrith City Council in Australia identified suitable areas to plant urban trees by using heat sensor data, topography mapping and community survey data to review where the most vulnerable in their community lived to determine areas where additional tree canopy cover would be most beneficial and prioritized planting in those locations.

You can review Penrith City Councils full ‘Cooling the City Strategy’  from our Where Shade Hits The Pavement Event here:

How to Choose a location for Urban Trees?

When choosing planting locations, it is important to consider factors such as accessibility, sunlight, and available soil volume and quality. Trees should be planted in areas that are easily accessible for maintenance and receive adequate sunlight, water and soil volume.

Soil volume and quality is absolutely crucial to the success and longevity of urban trees, as trees require well-draining soil that is rich in nutrients and uncompacted to provide space for root growth and oxygen and water the chance to peculate deep into the soil.

In urban areas where soil volume and space is a concern, Citygreen’s leading range of structural soil vault systems are designed to provide adequate growing medium for tree roots, infrastructure protection, and provide additional green blue stormwater management properties (WSUD) all within one system.

Download our Stratavault Reference Manual to learn why soil cells are essential for urban trees.

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Selecting the Right Tree Species for Urban Areas

Selecting the right tree species is crucial for the success of tree planting initiatives in urban areas. Trees that are well-suited to urban environments should be selected, such as those that can tolerate & filter pollution, withstand drought, provide tree canopy and environmental and aesthetic design.

Native tree species that are adapted to the local climate should be prioritized, as they are more likely to thrive and support local wildlife. For example, the Greening Australia initiative in Australia, planted over 500,000 trees, shrubs, and grasses in urban areas using native species. 

Related: Best Tree for Reducing Air Pollution.

When selecting tree species, it is important to consider the size of the tree at maturity, as some species may be too large for urban areas and cause damage to the tree, buildings and infrastructure.

There is nothing more disheartening than witnessing a tree’s canopy hacked to accommodate utilities like powerlines due to poor planning. In such instances, both the tree and the community suffer, missing out on the invaluable benefits of a mature tree in the environment.

Moreover, the mismanagement of trees results in wastage of ratepayers’ money, as maintenance workers must continually tend to the space surrounding the infrastructure for the total lifecycle of the tree.

Factor to Consider	Examples
Tolerance to pollution	London Plane Tree, Eastern Red Cedar, Ginkgo, Honey Locust
Drought tolerance	Hackberry, American Elm, White Oak, Redbud
Soil compaction tolerance	Red Maple, White Pine, Black Cherry, Bald Cypress
Mature size	Japanese Maple, Crape Myrtle, Dogwood, Serviceberry

Planning the Urban Tree Planting Process

Best Time to Plant a Tree

Planning the tree planting process involves several important steps. The ideal time to plant a tree is during autumn after trees lose their leaves or early spring before budbreak.

We ideally plant during autumn as tree root growth goes into overdrive, instead of the tree splitting its energy between root growth and canopy growth the tree focuses on expanding it’s fine and structural roots as far as possible when canopy growth is much less of a concern.

The further the fine and structural roots grow and establish, the better the outcomes the tree canopy will experience during the following canopy growth period.

What Soil Should you use for Urban Trees

The type of soil you use and soil preparation is also important to the success of trees in urban areas, as trees require well-draining uncompacted soil that is rich in nutrients.

Proper irrigation is necessary to ensure that newly planted trees receive enough water to establish healthy root systems. At Citygreen we can provide customised soil designed specifically for the trees environment.

Related Article: How Quality Soil Grows Healthy City Trees

Citygreen invited landscape architect Elke Haege Thorvaldson, co-author of the acclaimed ‘Soils for Landscape Development‘ to speak at ‘Where the Shade Hits the Pavement’ about how to design and specify soils for trees in urban locations.

Proper Urban Tree Planting Techniques 

When planting the tree, ensure it is positioned at the proper height and the root crown is at ground level, and the hole is dug to the correct depth to avoid oxygen deprivation that hinders root development.

Confirm the tree stands straight by using a tree anchor and having someone view it from multiple angles before backfilling the hole gently yet firmly, stabilizing the root ball’s base with packed soil. Eliminate air pockets by watering periodically during backfilling.

Only stake the tree if necessary, as studies show that unstaked trees establish faster and develop stronger trunks and roots. Mulch the tree’s base with organic matter to retain moisture, moderate soil temperature, and reduce weed competition.

Newly planted trees in urban areas need additional care during their initial establishment phase. Addition follow-up care is needed in the weeks after such as keeping the soil moist but not waterlogged, watering trees at least once a week, and more frequently during hot and windy weather.

Water must be concentrated on the rootball at the base of the tree as a newly-planted tree can only access moisture that is within reach of it’s roots. We recommend installing a Snorkil system around a newly planted tree to help water & oxygen access the deeper roots. The Snorkil also helps avoid roots trying to surface in search of nutrients as the deeper roots have access to a deeper source of food.

See the tools Citygreen use to enable urban tree planting.

To better understand how to set realistic targets for planting urban trees watch Gwilym Griffiths from  Good Canopy Company talk at Where Shade Hits the Pavement.

Engaging the Community in the Tree Planting Process

Community engagement is an important aspect of tree planting initiatives in urban areas. Involving the community in these initiatives can help to increase awareness and support for environmental conservation efforts.

Ways to encourage community participation include hosting public events, working with local organizations, and providing educational resources on the benefits of trees and how to care for them. Community members can also be involved in the selection of tree species and planting locations. 

Reach out to your city council and see if they offer a free tree planting program.

Maintaining Planted Trees in Urban Areas

Proper maintenance is crucial for the health and longevity of planted trees in urban areas. Regular watering is necessary to ensure that trees receive enough moisture, especially during hot and dry periods. Pruning is important to remove dead or damaged branches and promote healthy growth.

Monitoring for pests and diseases is also important, as urban environments can be conducive to the spread of these issues. It is important to address any issues early to prevent them from spreading and causing damage to the trees.

Monitoring the Impact of Urban Tree Planting on the Environment

What gets measured gets improved. Measuring the impact of tree planting initiatives in your community is crucial. This involves monitoring the reduction of air pollution, the increase in biodiversity and health of the tree, heat measurements, property values, and increased community activity.

By tracking progress, you can determine the monetary and environmental value these trees bring to the community.

Related Article: Soil Vaults Deliver Huge ROI in Quantifiable Results

Overcoming Challenges in Planting More Trees in Urban Areas

There are several challenges to planting more trees in urban areas, such as lack of space and limited funding or initiative by developers, council . However, there are solutions to these challenges:

City Mandated Tree Plantings for new Constructions: New Constructions and developments must include a minimum number of trees in their designs to ensure that any new constructions are adding environmental value to the community to help combat climate change, and the urban heat island effect.

City Mandated Soil Volumes: Soil Volume is critical to the success of urban trees so city standards must include a minimum soil volume that is adequate for trees to survive once they reach maturity. 

Maintenance Programs: Ensuring the continued care and maintenance of newly planted trees is vital for their survival and growth. However, a challenge arises with tree ownership, responsibility, and care, particularly when dealing with project-based constructions focused on swift project completion and tight deadlines.

It is crucial to establish maintenance programs during the initial contract process. By doing so, we can guarantee that the development and success of the trees are not overlooked or disregarded after the initial planting phase. 

Case Study: Stratavault Empowering Tree Planting in Tamworth CBD

Tamworth CBD’s bustling Peel Street serves as a central hub, attracting visitors from distant towns and farmers for work and leisure. During the renowned week-long ‘Toyota Country Music Festival,’ Peel Street transforms into a lively pedestrian thoroughfare with bustling markets and with performance stages and buskers up and down the street.

Recognizing the potential to breathe new life into the adjacent Fitzroy Street, the Tamworth Regional Council embarked on a comprehensive revitalization project in December 2017.

This transformation aimed to integrate the underutilized street seamlessly into the CBD, invigorating the street for residents and local businesses by adapting the street into a walkable pedestrian street with inviting spaces for people to gather, including the addition of trees planted in Stratavault for shade, street furniture with misting, and captivating ‘living umbrellas.’

Read the Full Case Study

Conclusion

Planting trees in urban areas is crucial for environmental conservation and improving the quality of life for city residents. By identifying suitable planting locations, selecting the right tree species, planning the planting process, engaging the community, and maintaining planted trees, we can increase green space in urban areas and reap the numerous benefits trees provide. 

The team at Citygreen is available to take your questions to help you deliver higher quality urban trees. Contact us.