Recommendations
TREND 1 RECOMMENDATIONS
1. Engage homeowners on tree canopy loss and encourage them to plant and maintain trees on their property. This can be done through education campaigns, providing information on the benefits of trees, and offering resources and incentives to homeowners.
2. Enforce tree protection and preservation ordinances. Many municipalities have regulations in place that protect trees from removal or destruction. These regulations should be enforced to ensure that existing trees are not removed unnecessarily.
3. Develop and implement a diverse tree planting program to improve biodiversity. Municipalities can work with community groups, schools, and other organizations to plant trees in residential areas. These programs can include free or low-cost tree seedlings, technical assistance, and maintenance advice.
4. Increase awareness of the value of trees. Trees provide many benefits, including improved air quality, reduced energy costs, and mitigating climate change. By increasing awareness of these benefits, homeowners may be more inclined to plant and maintain trees on their property.
5. Implement land use planning strategies that prioritize tree preservation and planting. Municipalities can develop zoning and land use regulations that encourage the preservation of existing trees and the planting of new ones. This can include requiring new developments to include tree planting as part of their site plan.
TREND 2 RECOMMENDATIONS
1. Engage and support institutional properties to maintain the positive trend of tree canopy growth.
2. Develop a tree planting and maintenance plan: Property owners should work with a qualified arborist to develop a tree planting and maintenance plan that is appropriate for the site conditions and complements the existing landscape. The plan should include a schedule for planting and regular maintenance tasks, such as pruning and watering.
3. Offer incentives: Municipalities can offer incentives to property owners who plant and maintain trees on their property. This could include tax breaks, grants, or other financial incentives to encourage tree planting.
4. Raise awareness: Community groups and local government can work together to raise awareness of the benefits of trees and the importance of tree canopy growth. This could include public education campaigns, tree planting events, and community tree walks.
TREND 3 RECOMMENDATIONS
1. Preserve existing vegetation: Trees and other vegetation play an important role in stabilizing slopes by absorbing water, reducing erosion, and increasing soil stability. Property owners should avoid removing trees and other vegetation from slopes to the extent possible.
2. Manage stormwater runoff: Managing stormwater runoff can help reduce the risk of landslides by reducing the amount of water that infiltrates the soil. Property owners should consider installing green roofs, rain gardens, and other stormwater management practices to help reduce runoff and protect the existing tree canopy.
3. Develop and implement land use planning strategies: Municipalities can develop land use planning strategies that prioritize the protection of landslide-prone areas and the preservation of existing trees. This can include establishing setbacks, height limits, and other development restrictions to help protect slope stability and preserve the existing tree canopy.
TREND 4 RECOMMENDATIONS
1. Educate decision-makers: Municipal officials may be more willing to act if they understand the benefits of trees and the consequences of tree canopy loss. Educate decision-makers about the environmental, economic, and social benefits of trees, and how tree canopy loss can impact community health, property values, and quality of life.
2. Form partnerships: Build partnerships with local government officials, community groups, and other stakeholders to help increase support for tree canopy restoration efforts. Collaborating with other organizations can also help secure funding and other resources for tree planting and maintenance programs.
3. Develop a tree canopy restoration plan: Municipalities can work with community groups and other stakeholders to develop a tree canopy restoration plan that identifies specific actions that can be taken to reverse tree canopy loss. This plan should include strategies for tree planting, maintenance, and protection, as well as policies that support tree canopy growth.
4. Advocate for policy changes: Municipalities can adopt policies that support tree canopy growth, such as zoning ordinances that require tree planting on new development sites or tree preservation requirements for construction projects. Community members and advocacy groups can advocate for these policy changes to help reverse tree canopy loss.
5. Promote community engagement: Municipalities can promote community engagement by organizing tree planting events, offering educational workshops, and encouraging residents to get involved in tree planting and maintenance efforts. This can help build support for tree canopy restoration efforts and create a sense of community ownership over the restoration process.
