Tree Canopy Cover

• Author: Alec LeSher
• Pages: 180-184

180 Sustainable Development Code: Climate Change

TREE CAN OPY COVER

Alec LeSher (author)

Jonathan Rosenbloom & Christopher Duerksen (editors)

INTRODUCTION

A local government’s tree canopy is the jurisdiction’s area that is shaded by

trees. Typically, as land is developed, the tree canopy is reduced because tree s

are removed to clear space for development. One study estimates that urban

areas across the United States lost 36 million trees per year from 2009 to

2014 .1 Tree canopies provide numerous public a nd private benets, includ-

ing reduced air pollution, reduced heating and cooling demands, increased

property values, improved physical and mental health, a nd reduced storm

water runo.2

is ordinance facilitates the growth of local tree canopy cover by requir-

ing minimal tree canopy coverage per site or development, reforestation

standards, and/or landscaping credits to developers that voluntarily plant

more trees than required. Loc al governments have a variety of options when

it comes to drafting these ordinances. ey may set canopy minimums by

percentage or area, may make the minimums applicable to residential, com-

mercial, and/or industrial uses, and may set d ierent minimums for dierent

lot or development sizes. In addition, local governments may take a carrot

and/or stick approach in which they require minimum standards and create

incentives for those projects that exceed the minimums.

EFFECTS

Municipalities have much to gain by increasing the tree c anopy. Carbon diox-

ide is one of the most prevalent and damaging greenhouse g asses (GHGs) that

contributes to global warming.3 Trees are a carbon dioxide “sink,” meaning

they naturally absorb carbon dioxide and release oxygen, intercepting that

carbon dioxide before it enters the atmosphere.4 Trees also provide shade

that, when planted correctly, can help reduce the energy needed to cool a

building during the summer a nd can help reduce the heat island eect.5