Across the United States, there’s a wide degree of variation in terms of urban tree populations and density. The Washington Post published an analysis that allows you to examine the number and distribution of trees in cities across America. It’s fascinating to look at the regional differences, the outliers, and the connection between tree populations and the benefits to the human residents of these cities.
The Differences
There’s a great deal of variability in tree density in urban areas in different parts of the US. A lot of this is explained by climate — in the eastern US, where trees have historically grown in dense forests, trees grow easily in any area where their growth isn’t impeded or interrupted. In these urban areas (cities such as Washington, DC and Atlanta, for example) wherever city planners intentionally plant trees, such as in parks and along roadsides, these trees tend to flourish with relatively little intervention. In other areas — such as the desert southwest — trees are simply unlikely to grow successfully without intense irrigation and intervention by humans. So, part of the variation is simply related to the area’s climate.
Which Cities Stand Out?
Climate can’t explain all of the variation, though — some cities stand out as having done exceptionally well (or surprisingly poorly) in terms of establishing and maintaining a healthy population of trees. Bend, OR, Washington, DC, and Tucson, AZ, all stand out as having a high density or urban trees when compared to other cities in their region. In all of these examples, intentional city planning with a focus on developing and maintaining green spaces has contributed to the relatively high tree populations in these busy urban areas.
What Does This Mean for the People?
More trees in a city means more benefits for the human populations of these areas, as well. Increased numbers of trees in urban areas are associated with reduced respiratory problems, increased quality of living ratings, fewer air pollutants, and reduced stress levels. But, of all of the benefits of more trees, the reduction in summer heat is probably the most impactful. Trees provide shade which reduces the heating effect of the sun on buildings, streets, and sidewalks. This reduced heating not only reduces energy bills (as less air conditioning is needed to keep cool), but these shaded areas also cool off more quickly at night, reducing the city’s temperature as its residents sleep. While concrete and asphalt hold onto the heat absorbed by the sun in the daytime, trees do not, leaving park areas noticeably cooler than areas full of buildings and streets which slowly give off the day’s absorbed heat, long after the sun has gone down.
What About Cincinnati?
Here in Cincinnati, there’s good news in terms of our trees. When compared to other, similar cities, Cincinnati has more urban trees , with a tree coverage percentage of 36.2% — higher than is typical for our type of city, and almost as high as Washington, DC (which was highlighted as one of the best cities in terms of trees). That doesn’t mean we couldn’t improve, though — it’s good to note that we haven’t lost a significant amount of our tree population over the past 5 years, but neither have we increased it at all. (The Washington Post article provides a tool where you can examine the tree population — and change over time — in a detailed view so you can see how your own neighborhood is doing).
Caring for urban trees is good for the environment, but it’s also good for our well-being. Whether caring for your own backyard trees or encouraging city planners to devote resources to the care and planting of trees throughout Cincinnati (or your city), making sure trees are a priority is good for us all. Here in Cincinnati, we’re here to help with your urban (or suburban, or rural!) trees. Call us today for assistance in routine tree maintenance, emergency tree service, or answers to your arboreal questions.
