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Discover the importance of maintaining low VOC and power line friendly trees in urban areas. This guide outlines the benefits of evergreen trees, such as pollution reduction, energy efficiency, and traffic calming. Learn about effective policies for tree management, safety measures, and how to enhance community spirit through urban forestry. It also addresses the balance of tree maintenance, environmental effects, and the economic benefits of a well-planned urban forest. Get involved with local initiatives to support tree planting and care.
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Goals • Low VOC • Power Line Friendly • Drought Tolerant
Low VOC and Pollution Reduction • Most low emitting VOC trees are Evergreens (coniferous). • As trees die and decompose they release up to 100% of stored pollution • Fallen Leaves/branches release pollution back into the atmosphere • Tree maintenance can be a contributor to pollution
Power Line Friendly • Keep trees short • Examples of policies • <25’ • Keep 10’ away from power poles
Coniferous Tree Benefits and Negatives • Keep absorbing pollution all year around • Energy Use • Make excellent wind blocks which reduce energy needs in winter • Negative: Can hurt in the summer months • Block summer sun to reduce A/C needs • Negative: Also blocks sun in the winter • Sound Absorbing • Less Clean-up from falling leaves
Deciduous Tree Benefits and Negatives • Safety: • Vision • Energy Use • Reduction in Summer and Winter month energy usage/demand (15-35% Less Energy) • Lose leaves and create a need for cleanup
How to measure Success • Tree canopy % Increase • Need to calculate current % and desired % • Ex: 40% East of Mississippi and 25% for West • Garden City could probably do a larger % with the Boise river
Street Trees • Right of Ways and Easements • Intersections • Vision Triangle • Cars & Newspaper stands create the biggest distraction • 14’ Maintenance • Intersections are the meeting place • Treeless intersections takes away from that feeling • See: “Street and Intersection Study”
Street Trees • Traffic Calming • between 3-15 MPH speed reduction • Reduces accidents • Makes roadway feel narrower • Accentuates signage • Create a safety buffer between cars and pedestrians • More rules and regulations = less trees
How to get it done • Volunteer groups • Business Groups on Board • Set goals and benchmarks • Use existing and/or Create Easements along roads? • Use tree planters to narrow roads • Encourage home owners to plant tree’s • Get children/students involved • Get’s parents involved • Tree workshops and tree care days with community
Good for Business • Getting business past the street frontage and sign issue • Traffic Calming effects of 3-15 MPH should help with business visibility • Pedestrian effects • Framing signage with trees can actually help
Good For Business • The scope and condition of a community's trees and, collectively, its urban forest, is usually the first impression a community projects to its visitors. A community's urban forest is an extension of its pride and community spirit. • Studies have shown that: • Trees enhance community economic stability by attracting businesses and tourists. • People linger and shop longer along tree-lined streets. • Apartments and offices in wooded areas rent more quickly and have higher occupancy rates. • Businesses leasing office spaces in developments with trees find their workers are more productive and absenteeism is reduced • http://www.coloradotrees.org/benefits.htm#pavement