Urban Tree Planting/Urban Tree Canopy

Purpose/Function:

In urban areas, the tree canopy provides an important stormwater management function by intercepting rainfall that would otherwise runoff paved surfaces and be transported into local waters though the storm drainage system, picking up various pollutants along the way. Urban tree canopies also reduces the urban heat island effect, reduces heating/cooling costs, lowers air temperatures, reduces air pollution, increases property values, provides wildlife habitat and provides aesthetic and community benefits such as improved quality of life.

Initiation protocol:

For best results on an urban tree canopy and planting plan is to begin with an assessment of the current tree cover in the jurisdiction.

Public acceptance:

Widely accepted as a practice not only for the Chesapeake Bay, but trees have been shown to reduce energy costs and improve property values.

Implementation Factors (level of difficulty):

Moderate. With properly trained professionals and motivated volunteers, local jurisdictions have made significant advances in increasing the urban tree canopy.

Purpose/Function:

Implementation of these practices are likely to become part of future stormwater nutrient reduction strategies for Phase I and Phase II MS4 jurisdictions. Consequently, the funding strategy for this practice will likely be embedded in the MS4 strategies in the future. The Maryland Department of Natural Resources Forest Service continues to pursue funding and staff support for key implementation programs. Chesapeake Bay Trust Restoration Program Grants are a competitive source of potential funding.

Costs:

Costs estimated as $ per acre of practice installed.

Purpose/Function:

K&H estimates 2.64 acres of impervious surface treated per acre of practice. Therefore, the value from the K&H report was multiplied by 2.64 to obtain these figures. State Highway Administration estimates that costs will be significantly lower where lad does not need to be purchased, and that the lifespan of a tree planting project can be significantly higher than 20 years.

Load Reduction Efficiency:

Total Nitrogen removed per acre of practice per year

Cost per pound removed = between $177 to $426

Total Phosphorous removed per acre of practice per year

  Cost per pound removed = between $4,151 to $25,474

Total Suspended Solids removed per acre of practice per year

Cost per pound removed = between $10.64 and $70.48

Operation & Maintenance:

Trees must be monitored closely for the first few years with frequent watering and periodic mulching.

Climate Change Considerations:

Trees are an excellent carbon sink and reduce the heat island effect in urban settings.

Planning Questions to Consider:

Underground and above ground utilities must be located and considered.

Technical Notes:

Choose the appropriate tree for each location as some trees can cause sidewalk damage or are not necessarily suited to urban setting even if the tree is a species local to the area.

Helpful Links:

• https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=iCy_m-u0VEM
• http://forestsforwatersheds.org/urban-tree-canopy/
• https://www.forestsforthebay.org/index.cfm
• https://www.forestsforthebay.org/natural_resource_providers.cfm?sid=MD
• http://www.chesapeakebay.net/documents/22044/3b_urban_tree_canopy_final.pdf
• https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=4WElnUeYXRo