Shade Tree Planning

Trees are an integral, if often overlooked, part of the visual character of a community. Neighborhoods with canopies of large, mature trees are inviting to residents and pedestrians. Trees provide shade and climate control during hot summer months. Unusual, large and old trees have particular unique aesthetic and historic values to a community. Trees placed between the sidewalk and curb make pedestrians feel safely separated from traffic.

As part of a subdivision or site plan application, municipalities can require preparation of a tree removal and replacement plan that preserves as many mature trees as possible. Communities can budget (or apply for grants) for the planting and maintenance of street trees, or use funds to hire a professional forester to provide advice on proper tree care. Municipalities can use an ordinance or incentives to encourage landowners to preserve trees or replace ones that can not be preserved.

Parking lot shade ordinances can also be adopted to reduce temperatures and improve aesthetics in a community. Schools and civic organizations can engage in tree planting programs to increase the presence of trees in residential neighborhoods and commercial thoroughfares. Locally, people can learn about what hardy varieties of trees would be appropriate to plant by contacting Cornell Cooperative Extension of Tompkins County.