What is Urban Forestry and Why is it Important?

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Published: 04 March 2016 04 March 2016

According to Leslie Moorman, Executive Director of the North Carolina Urban Forest Council, North Carolina has lost so much of its forested landscape since the 1940’s, that all remaining wooded areas should be considered as urban. She made this observation during her presentation at the RLUAC quarterly meeting conducted on Thursday, February 18, 2016 after defining urban forestry as “any tree, green space, or wooded area within city jurisdictional limit as well as the surrounding area where the urban fringe is moving into the rural landscape”. This significant loss of forest coverage is due to North Carolina’s rapid rate of population growth and urban development. Leslie explained that there are substantial economic, environmental and social/behaviorable benefits of urban forests, including higher residential values, higher retail and commercial occupancy rates, and the willingness of consumers to pay more for goods where tree canopies exist. In addition, trees provide shade which translates into lower cooling costs, lower energy use, blocking solar radiation, and reduction of air temperatures. Trees also clean the air – reducing nitrogen dioxide, sulphur dioxide, carbon monoxide, ozone, and particulate matter. Further, trees improve water quality by reducing storm water runoff, reducing peak storm water flows, reducing flooding and improving groundwater recharge. They provide wildlife habitat and biodiversity. Finally, they absorb and deflect urban noise, reduce glare reflection, and slow down vehicular traffic on tree-lined streets. Studies show that outdoor spaces with trees are used more often, they contribute to an increase in social interaction, generate higher levels of social cohesion among neighbors, increase a sense of safety and assist with stronger ties. To protect our remaining wooded areas, Leslie offered several important actions that must be taken now. They include: Planning Efforts - conducting tree inventories and developing urban forest management plans. Forest Management – increase tree plantings, pruning, removal of damaged/dead trees, storm drainage, insect/disease control, tree surgery, and root pruning. Governmental Policy – adopting tree care ordinances, tree protection ordinances, and land use plans / zoning ordinances that include tree and landscaping requirements. For more details, see Leslie’s entire PowerPoint presentation included under the “Meetings” tab at the top of the page.