The Ultimate Guide on How to Plant Urban Trees

Urban trees planted in citygreens stratavault system on the water in Barangaroo, Sydney Australia

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
An exampe of how to plant urban trees with Trees used to shade a carpark in Orange, NSW.
Urban trees used to shade a carpark in Orange, NSW

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.

stratavault soil cell pit provides adequate soil for trees while taking the above weight load off the tree.

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.


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.

Collection of green trees isolated on transparent background. for easy selection of designs.

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 ConsiderExamples
Tolerance to pollutionLondon Plane Tree, Eastern Red Cedar, Ginkgo, Honey Locust
Drought toleranceHackberry, American Elm, White Oak, Redbud
Soil compaction toleranceRed Maple, White Pine, Black Cherry, Bald Cypress
Mature sizeJapanese Maple, Crape Myrtle, Dogwood, Serviceberry

Planning the Urban Tree Planting Process

trees in urban areas providing shade
Fig Trees Planted in Stratavault

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.

trees in urban areas planted with soil cells to ensure growth and shade to the nearby footpath for pedestrians to enjoy

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

comparison of stratavault soil cells and the end result of the tree installed in urban environment

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

fitzoy street comparison from 2015 v 2023 showing the new streetscape and amazing tree growth in a hardscape environment

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.

growth comparision of the same tree in tamworth fitzroy street
Growth Comparison of Chinese Elms Planted in Stratavault

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.

Study finds green roofs improve concentration

Study finds green roofs improve concentration:

A new study from Melbourne University has found that environmentally-friendly green roofs are not only good for the environment, they also improve employee concentration.

In the study, published in the Journal of Environmental Psychology, 150 students were asked to press a key as a series of numbers repeatedly flashed in front of them on a computer screen, unless the number was three. Midway through the task half the group was given a 40-second break during which they looked at a flowering meadow green roof and the others looked at a bare concrete roof. The participants who looked at the green roof made fewer errors and had better concentration in the second half of the task.

Dr Kate Lee, Head Researcher, said, “We know that green roofs are great for the environment, but now we can say that they boost attention too. Imagine the impact that has for thousands of employees working in nearby offices. This study showed us that looking at an image of nature for less than a minute was all it took to help people perform better on our task.”

The study deliberately used a 40-second “micro-break” to mirror the mini breaks which happen spontaneously throughout the day. “It’s something that a lot of us do naturally when we’re stressed or mentally fatigued. There’s a reason you look out the window and seek nature, it can help you concentrate on your work and to maintain performance across the workday.

“This study has implications for workplace well-being and adds extra impetus to continue greening our cities. City planners around the world are switching on to these benefits of green roofs and we hope the future of our cities will be a very green one.”

More and more rooftop gardens are appearing in Melbourne and Sydney, including The City of Melbourne offices on Little Collins Street and the M Central apartment building in Pyrmont, Sydney.

image credit . sookie

Chicago Green Thumbs Transform Brownfields

Chicago Green Thumbs Transform Brownfields:

In any city, there are underdeveloped sects, or areas long ago places of industry now fallen to ruin. These areas are often termed as brownfields.

In keeping afoot in advancements in urban landscaping, technologies and innovative thought, Chicago is no different than the many other cities taking a proactive approach to the future.

Method Home Products has been one to invest in the Brownfields of Chicago, setting up their first manufacturing facility in the U.S. and not only reconnecting with the domestic market, but designing a facility that earned them a LEED Platinum standing. Just one of the substantial benefits of the plant’s design includes, “sustainable farming practices that will replenish groundwater to the tune of 6 million gallons annually.”

“Roughly 3.5 acres of the 22-acre site are used for industrial purposes, and the rest has been converted into a natural habitat for wildlife…[and] the facility will employ about 100 people,” says Adam Lowry, Method’s co-creator.

On September 2, Chicago will host the 16th annual Brownfields Conference, an event supported by the United States Environmental Protection Agency and the ICMA: International City/County Management Association. Carrying the theme “Sustainable Communities Start Here”, the conference forum is,“calibrated to provide attendees with case study examples, program updates and useful strategies for meeting brownfield challenges head on.”

Discussion groups and speakers are confronting topics specific to engaging the community, investing wisely, and resurging manufacturing activity in these otherwise unused spaces. The latter has recently been endorsed by President Obama’s Administration in the development of, “the Investing in Manufacturing Communities Partnership (IMCP), a multi-agency initiative…”

“The Economic Redevelopment Forum will call forward site owners, investors, developers, end-users and state and local economic development officials to lay the groundwork for potential revitalization deal-making.”

Given the sheer square miles in cities nationally and internationally, and the innovative minds propelling urban development, the future is cast in green.

image credit: mnn.com

University of Queensland’s Global Change Institute

University of Queensland’s Global Change Institute building sets new standard for cutting-edge, sustainable building technology

(more…)

2015 Urban Forestry Efforts Grow Strong in New York State

 2015 Urban Forestry Efforts Grow Strong in New York State:

New York state wastes no time in establishing its plans to continue urban forestry planning and projects for 2015. Close to $930,000 in urban forestry grants have been recently awarded to communities across the state thus far, as announced by Commissioner Joe Martens for the State Department of Environmental Conservation (DEC), by press release January 14th.

These funds will allow 40 communities within the state enhance their urban forestry, as well as safeguard the quality of air, water and natural resources. These local communities are given opportunities on an annual basis to apply for grants, which are then reviewed and awarded by the USDA Forest Service and the NYS DEC Urban Forestry Program.

Once awarded by the DEC, the funds are allocated to Arbor day events, community run forestry programs, and educational opportunities. Technical assistance is also offered to these communities through the local DEC urban foresters and ReLeaf volunteers.

“Urban forestry programs are vital to creating a vibrant environment that provides clean air, clean water, energy savings, robust habitats and a high quality of life for New Yorkers,” Martens said.

Especially in highly concentrated urban areas like New York, there are additional stressors like pollutants, limited root space, and improper pruning that can inhibit the flourishing of the community forests. By actively managing these factors, we protect these valuable resources and preserve the resulting benefits.

In February 2015, The NYS Urban Forestry Council will host a forestry awareness day in Albany, New York. (https://www.nysurbanforestrycouncil.com/calendar.asp)

The goal of this organized effort is to provide a chance to collaborate with and educate state legislators about key issues in urban and community forestry efforts, including the development of local tree inventory, management plans, and the establishment of Tree Boards across communities and neighborhoods.

The Urban Forest – Planning and Policy

By: Richard J. Magill, Magill & Associates, Inc.

This is the last in a series of six articles that explore the various interactions and outcomes that result from human contact with the urban forest.

This particular article will touch on the roles and responsibilities of city governments, elected and appointed officials, and other non-governmental organizations that are necessary to advance and maintain successful policies, planning and programs that promote and maintain our urban forests. A summary of the benefits of urban forests closes the six-article series.

The Role of Stakeholders

Urban Forestry is a vital component of sustainable communities given the vast and diverse benefits provided by trees and urban forests.

The advancement of cooperative and productive relationships with the following stakeholders is critical to establishing and maintaining successful urban forestry programs in our cities.

  • Elected Officials – can enact legislation with proactive policies that enable the various governmental departments to implement programs and practices that ensure the growth and overall health of the urban forest for the benefit of urban residents and visitors alike.
  • Planning Departments – can create master plans, policies and strategies that prioritize the trees and urban forests. Planning departments need to identify incentives for private sector entities to include trees, green spaces and other vegetation as necessary components of their development projects. Also, the development and implementation of conservation easements, “protection in perpetuity’ agreements, legal land trusts, and transfer of development rights programs for the creation and preservation of green space are important ways that planners can advance the proliferation of the urban forest.
  • Public Works – can advocate the utilization of natural infrastructure in storm water management, energy consumption, and in reduction of the urban heat island effect. Public works departments can also advance the use of natural infrastructure through thoughtful design in, construction and maintenance practices.
  • Transportation Departments – can advocate tree planting zones in road construction projects, and in the design and construction of urban greenway connections.

development of urban environment

  • Economic Development Departments – can identify incentives for the private sector to include trees and other elements of the urban forest in their projects. Economic development departments can also develop funding programs through which actual landscaping and/or land acquisitions are possible. The quantification of the local economic contributions of trees and urban forests can also be beneficial to further the health of the urban forest. Economic development departments should include trees and green spaces as critical components of any economic development plan.
  • Parks and Recreation Departments – can capitalize on their inherit mandate to provide quality green spaces, planting and maintaining the urban canopy, and engaging the community with regard to the benefits of trees and urban forests.
  • Community Services Departments – can create “green collar” jobs programs, and engage the community on the benefits of trees and urban forests.
  • Private Sector Organizations – can approach urban forestry on a “project by project” basis and focus on one mission at a time. Private sector organizations are also better positioned than the public sector to secure private donations.
  • Non-Profit Organizations -for advocacy of strategic partnerships; access to alternative funding sources; access to volunteer staff resources.

Resources for the Development of an Urban Forestry Program

“Talking Trees- An Urban Forestry Toolkit for Local Governments” November 2006 Ryan Bell and Jennie Wheeler, ICLEI-Local Governments for Sustainability

Center for Urban Horticulture, University of Washington, College of Forest Resources

development of urban forest

Summary

This series of six articles has investigated the various interactions and resulting benefits of the urban forest on the human condition. A healthy urban forest can help cities and municipalities achieve environmental, social, and economic sustainability goals, while reducing greenhouse gas emissions and removing carbon from the atmosphere. The urban landscape can be thought of as an urban ecosystem, with each part directly relating to and affecting the whole system. The urban forest functions in this urban ecosystem by mitigating harmful environmental issues, such as water and air pollution, and by shading and sheltering buildings with trees to reduce cooling and heating costs. In the urban environment, our health and welfare can benefit from exposure to natural settings, such as providing locations for recreation and relief from the stresses of everyday life. The benefits of trees are voluminous and immensely significant for the continued advancement of the quality of life in our rapidly-growing urban environments.

Citygreen designs and manufactures innovative structural soil cells which provide un-compacted soil to provide valuable nutrients for trees and other plants, as well as support for pavements and roads. These soil cells are a proven and effective way to promote a healthy urban forest.

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