Urban Forestry Management Plan
2
0
1
3
City of Charlotte
Cultivating A Legacy
Charlotte’s
Urban Forestry
Management
Plan
“Cultivating a Legacy”
Charlotte’s urban forest is our most recognized and treasured natural feature. The
tree canopy defines the Queen City’s identity and is critically linked to our growth,
prosperity, and quality of life. Yet, our majestic canopy is vulnerable to disease,
storms and development. Clearly, the canopy’s importance to our future calls for
orchestrated care and management.
This plan is intended to be a living, ever-evolving play book for the proactive
management of our urban forest while also educating citizens and practitioners about
the specialness, vulnerabilities, and benefits of the forest. The plan celebrates the
history and character of our urban forest as well as our legacy as a world-class leader
in street tree management. The plan describes key challenges and threats and
articulates policies and procedures for the canopy’s expansion, diversification, and
long-term protection.
Prepared by
City Of Charlotte
Engineering and Property Management
March 2013
I
Forward
Historic Photos
Tree Canopy Goal
50% by 2050
Governance
Tree Planting Programs
“Right Tree” “Right Place”
TreesCharlotte Planting Program
Landscape Management’s Street Tree Planting Program
Capital Improvement Project Planting Program
Plans Set , Capital Improvement Project Planting Program
Management Programs
Cankerworms
Emergency Response
Safety Training
Canopy Facts
Tree Canopy Analysis
Charlotte Street Tree Diversity
Street Trees by Tax Area
TreesCharlotte – “New Planting Program”
Overview
Project Descriptions
Full Plan Set – Peachtree Hills Community
Canopy Challenges
Species Diversity
Replacing Aging Tree Canopy
Links to Supporting Documents and Information
Photographic Credits
Definitions
Underlined phrases will have a web link, see the bottom of page
Italicized phrases will have a definition/description on the definitions page
Designates the cycle/schedule for review and revision
Table of Contents
Tree Advisory Commission
Landscape Construction Standards
Land Development Standards
Tree Ordinance
Paul Draper, landscape architect, moving trees
Forward
“The City of Trees”
If you have ever had a chance to view Charlotte from above the tree tops,
from an airplane or tall building, your first impression might have been that
Charlotte is a city within a forest. Charlotteans are proud of their city’s title
“The City of Trees”. While the benefits of urban trees are many, those benefits
most commonly recognized are their grand beauty and the visual softening of
the urban hardscape. Our trees enhance property values, readily confirmed as
one travels down the arching rows of trees that have made Charlotte such a
livable city.
However, as important as what you see and feel from Charlotte’s tree canopy,
the benefits you do not see may be the most important. A study done by the
American Forests organization determined that Charlotte’s street trees
returned $3.25 in benefits for every $1 spent on their care. Tree roots stabilize
soils by protecting landscapes from rushing storm water. Trees’ expansive
canopies deflect and reduce the impact of rain to the soils. Trees help offset
the Heat Island Effect that is produced when acres of pavement and concrete
buildings absorb the sun’s energy during the day and then heat the city at
night. The Heat Island Effect creates higher cooling bills, burning of more fossil
fuels and an increase of the formation of ozone pollution. One doesn’t need
to understand all the numbers to be a believer. Just sit under a tall oak on a
hot day and experience nature’s natural air-conditioner at work.
The preservation and maintenance of this unique environmental treasure has
not evolved by accident. Go back to just after the turn of the 20th century,
when visionary developer Edward Latta, Jr. enlisted the talents of the famed
landscape architecture firm, Olmsted Brothers, to lay out the first planned
subdivision, Dilworth neighborhood, in the South. A key component of this
now historic neighborhood is the forest of oaks that forms an unbroken
canopy across homes, businesses and city streets.
Other Charlotte neighborhoods would follow this example so they too could
live in their own urban forest and all future citizens of Charlotte would gain
the benefits and appreciation of Charlotte’s urban trees.
The citizens of Charlotte banded together once again in the 1970s to pass their
first City of Charlotte Tree Ordinance and authorize the funding for a
professional arborist, who would be empowered to protect the public trees.
The trees, some installed over a half-century prior, as well as native forestland,
were threatened by neglect and commercial development pressures. These
pressures steadily increased as many people and businesses were drawn to
Charlotte, a desirable place to live and work. At the same time, native
woodlands at the city fringes were being cleared at an accelerating pace.
Adoption of the Tree Ordinance, the hiring of a full time city arborist, the
establishment of a citizen Tree Advisory Board, and funding for proactive
management of our city trees have helped protect and grow our canopy. These
measures enabled Charlotte to be recognized as a “Tree City USA” by the
National Arbor Day Foundation every year since 1980, 33 years. Charlotte is
deeply committed to maintaining our canopy and the beautiful vistas along
our streets by making tree and landscape plantings a major component of all
Street Capital Improvement Projects. The beauty of the public rights-of-way is
readily apparent to both visitors and residents. For this effort, Charlotte was
recognized in 2013, from 50 of the most populous U.S. cities, as one of
America’s Top 10 urban forests by the American Forest Council.
While our city has been tireless in our efforts to sustain our urban forest,
studies have shown that our wooded acres are still disappearing faster than
we replant them. Many urban planting sites still need to be identified and
planted. This is why Charlotte, through the actions of the Charlotte City
Council’s 2011 Environment Focus Area Plan has established a new initiative
expressed as “50% Canopy by 2050”, meaning an average 50% canopy cover
goal. This is a bold goal, but demonstrates the commitment by our entire
community to make Charlotte “a national leader in environmental and energy
sustainability, preserving our natural resources while balancing growth with
sound fiscal policy.”
Charlotte’s Historic Landscape Architects, Olmstead Brothers
American Forest Organization
Arbor Day Foundation
Equipment and technique used for transporting trees
Street development in the Dilworth Neighborhood
Willow Oaks on the way to their new Myers Park home
7
Tree Canopy Goal
City of Charlotte
The 50% by 2050 canopy goal was adopted by
City Council June 28, 2011. This document in
this section was instrumental to the adoption
City of Charlotte
Preserving and Enhancing Our “City of Trees” Through Establishment of a Tree Canopy Goal
Goal “50% in 2050” Adopted by City Council June 28, 2011
Charlotte City Council’s 2011 Environment Focus Area Plan established a number of initiatives to safeguard the
City’s environment. One specific measure of the plan is to responsibly manage Charlotte’s natural resources
including, among others, the tree canopy. A specific target is to adopt an overall tree canopy goal for
Charlotte.
The goal will express the total tree canopy coverage which the City aspires to sustain, expressed as a percentage
of land within the City. The goal is intended to:
• Reflect and express the value the community places on the tree canopy as an element of its quality of life;
• Communicate a shared objective to ensure a healthy tree canopy is sustained for the benefit of current and
future citizens;
• Provide a shared measure so Charlotte can chart its success in retaining the valuable canopy resource;
• Be the centerpiece of a communication effort to encourage citizens, neighborhoods and community groups
to take action by planting trees and maintaining the urban forest.
“The City of Trees”
The City of Charlotte is known as “The City of Trees”, a title earned as Charlotte’s citizens and Council have made
wise decisions through the years to invest in, maintain and protect the tree canopy. Significant public
investment and protection decisions are reflected in the City’s achievements:
• Staffed with a full-time City Arborist since 1974.
• Designated a “Tree City USA” from the Arbor Day Foundation every year since 1980.
• Recognized for an exemplary municipal tree ordinance governing tree preservation and planting.
• Manages a strong street tree program and tracks street tree location, species, age and condition.
• Incorporates the design and installation of landscaping and trees into Capital Improvement Projects.
Charlotte City Council has affirmed the tree canopy as one of the City’s key features and resources, most
recently as part of the Guiding Principles supporting the Centers, Corridors and Wedges Growth Framework:
“A healthy and flourishing tree canopy: The City’s tree canopy is an integral part of Charlotte’s identity. It
also contributes to the City’s environmental quality, livability and economic viability. Because trees are a
renewable resource, the City should seek not only to maintain as much of the existing canopy as is feasible,
but also to replant when trees are removed, and plan ahead for replacement as trees are lost due to age or
other factors” (from the Centers, Corridors, Wedges Growth Framework, adopted by Charlotte City Council August 23, 2010).
Studies of The Urban Forest and its Benefits
Charlotte has conducted several studies of its tree canopy since 1985. Beginning with the 2002 study, highresolution aerial photography has given the City clear indication of the changes in canopy coverage. Between
2002 and 2008, the tree canopy coverage within the boundary of the 2002 City limits declined from 48% to 46%
of total land area (from the American Forests Urban Ecosystem Analysis of Mecklenburg County and the City of Charlotte, North
Carolina, April, 2010). In 2008, tree canopy coverage in the City and its Sphere of Influence, a 375 square mile area,
was measured at 49% of total land area.
American Forests, the oldest national non-profit citizen conservation organization, lists the following ecological
benefits of a robust urban forest:
• Trees reduce the volume of stormwater runoff through evaporation and absorption.
• Trees improve water quality by absorbing water pollutants.
Tracking Progress: The goal and the action recommendation matrix will be reviewed and refined at least as
frequently as every 5 years following each tree canopy study which will provide new data about the actual tree
canopy coverage.
Tools for Achieving the Tree Canopy Goal
Achievement of the tree canopy coverage goal will require a myriad of strategies and tactics, carried out not just
by staff but by community and neighborhood partners and citizens.
In pursuit of a more coordinated approach to maintenance of the urban forest, City staff has begun to develop a
toolbox of strategies, attached as information only, which will inform staff actions and can be offered to
interested partners and citizens who hope to support the tree canopy coverage goal. The strategies are not
meant to be exhaustive or directive, but only serve as a dynamic resource for the community.
Attachment: Strategic Toolbox for Supporting Charlotte’s Tree Canopy Goal
Intended to be a dynamic tool box of strategies that may result in varying approaches from year to year, all
aimed at sustaining and expanding Charlotte’s tree canopy coverage. Strategy will be used to guide:
• City Tree Planting Program
• Tree Management & Planting During City Projects
• Tree Management & Planting at City Facilities
• Use of Tree Ordinance Fee-in-Lieu Revenue
• City partnerships for tree canopy preservation (Mecklenburg Park & Rec, Catawba Lands
Conservancy, CMS, non-profits, etc.)
Planting Strategies
•
Emphasize provision and maintenance of street trees with public funds
– Every street with >4 foot planting strip is a candidate for tree-planting
– Tree size will be guided by Urban Street Design Guidelines, overhead and underground utility conflicts,
arborist expertise
– Large maturing trees planted in >6 foot planting strips wherever feasible
– Appropriate diversity of street tree species will be maintained
•
Incorporate tree-planting along streets and in open space within the project boundaries of City-funded
Capital Improvement Projects
– Use tree-planting program funds to extend the area of planting into rights-of-way, open space areas,
and stream buffer areas adjacent to or near the project area
– Extend planting in the vicinity of light rail projects
– Incorporate outreach to residential neighborhoods and commercial property owners in the vicinity of
each CIP to encourage planting and provide tree care education
– Partner with the neighborhood and non-profits to extend planting to private properties in or near the
CIP area, with the City providing small trees and education - A Saturday planting event, for example
•
Review neighborhoods listed by Neighborhood and Business Services for planting opportunities –
targeting, for example – Foreclosure-plagued Neighborhoods
– Past Neighborhood Improvement Project Areas
– Challenged and Transitioning Neighborhoods
– Document findings and incorporate into strategy for future City and/or community group planting
•
Review each Center, Corridor, or Wedge where the canopy coverage is significantly less than similar
areas (or less than goal, when established) for planting opportunities
– Document findings and incorporate into strategy for future City and/or community planting
•
Plant at City–owned facilities and properties, particularly where there is room for large maturing trees
•
Consider expansion of the Business Corridor Revitalization Fund to assist eligible business meet parking
lot planting requirements as they grow their business
•
City government will aim to be a net canopy producer, so that the long-term impacts of City-funded
planting are greater than the long-term impacts of City-funded tree removals
Preservation Strategies
•
Use Tree Ordinance fee-in-lieu revenue to purchase treed land and place it under the care of the
Catawba Lands Conservancy or Mecklenburg Park & Recreation
– Track locations that generate fee-in-lieu and purchase land as near to that location as practicable
– Analyze available lands and choose land to meet multiple goals, such as adding to the proposed
Carolina Thread Trail geographies, protecting stream buffer/wetlands, wildlife habitat, etc.
Community Partnership Strategies
• Provide Tree Canopy Investment Strategy including information about planting needs and opportunities
to community groups interested in support of the canopy
•
Support community efforts aimed at tree planting or preservation related to schools, parks, greenways
– Support by supplying trees or seedlings
– Support with expertise and education
•
Convene coordinating meetings (bi-annual or quarterly) with governmental, non-profit, community
groups and private interests working to preserve Charlotte’s Tree Canopy
– Combined or coordinated with meetings of Charlotte Tree Advisory Committee
– Share information, optimize resources and impact, avoid duplication of effort
•
Clarify linkages between tree canopy and economic development
Management Strategies
• Ensure street tree inventory is current by 2016. Continue to capture data on all planting, maintenance,
and removals. Continually enhance inventory with additional condition and maintenance notes
•
Conduct a tree canopy/urban ecosystem analysis every 5 years beginning in 2013 to measure changes in
overall canopy coverage
– Use the data to refine Tree Canopy Goal and Strategies
– Use the data to include detailed recommendations for tree planting and management in Area Plans
– Use the data as part of the City Quality of Life Study to reflect environmental health of neighborhoods
– Refine ability to analyze future scenarios
•
Compile City practices into an “Urban Forest Management Plan” document by 2013
– Include in the Management Plan an approach for management and removal of weak and dying trees
Education/Awareness Strategies
•
Create an awareness campaign about the City’s Tree Canopy Goal and strategies, encouraging public
involvement in sustaining the canopy; the campaign will provide broad context about why the City’s tree
canopy is important, i.e. the ecological benefits and their dollar value to the community.
•
Utilize existing tools to provide information and education about planting, care, maintenance of trees
– City website, Gov Channel
– Arbor Day events
– Partner with educational and community organizations who can expand on the educational effort
– Charlotte’s Crown Tree Canopy Awards
•
Educate to maximize energy-saving benefits of shade trees.
•
Educate City and private utility crews working around trees about best practices to protect tree trunks
and roots.
Landscape Construction Standards
Charlotte’s Land Development Standards
Charlotte’s Tree Ordinance
Governance
City of Charlotte
Charlotte’s Tree Advisory Commission
CTAC Vision
•
•
•
•
To serve as advocates for the ongoing renewal of Charlotte's
urban forest.
To educate the citizens of Charlotte about the importance of trees
and landscaping as they pertain to our quality of life.
To advise and support City Council and assist City leaders on
issues affecting Charlotte's urban forest.
To hear appeals cases of the Tree Ordinance brought by citizens,
businesses, developers, or tree care companies that have
received a notice of violation or notice of non-compliance.
Arbor Day and Tree City
Designation
USA
The Tree Advisory Commission ,
with staff support, holds an annual
Arbor Day Celebration which
includes a proclamation by the
mayor, and the planting of a
commemorative tree somewhere
on public property. This is also a
requirement of receiving Tree City
USA designation from the National
Arbor Day Foundation, which the
City of Charlotte has held for 33
consecutive years. The City Arborist
is responsible for submitting all the
necessary documentation to the
Arbor Day Foundation to maintain
this recognition.
Charlotte Tree Advisory Commission
Arbor Day Foundation
Charlotte’s Tree Advisory Commission
The twelve-member Charlotte Tree Advisory Commission (CTAC) is
comprised of ten individuals appointed by Charlotte City Council and
the Mayor, and two staff members from Engineering & Property
Management.
The mission of CTAC is to promote a community-wide recognition that
the City’s trees and landscaping are an integral part of its quality of
life, and it is the responsibility of all citizens to provide for and protect
our urban forest environment.
2
11
Landscape Construction Standards
History
The Landscape Construction Standards (LCS) grew out of a need to
standardize all the elements that govern or affect landscape installations
being overseen by the City of Charlotte. The LCS was first put together as
a formal document in the early 1980’s. It has been updated and reviewed
as needed over the past 30 years and is currently revised on a yearly
basis.
Process
The City seeks to stay abreast of the most current and best management
practices in the landscape industry. We draw on the experiences,
observations and comments of those working within the sciences of
Arboriculture, Horticulture, Turf Management, Nursery Production and
Engineering. The LCS refers to and reinforces the Charlotte Land
Development Standards .
Review and Amendment
The LCS is edited and revised in April/May each year, reflecting lessons
learned from the previous year’s planting season. Great attention is
given to the experiences of installation contractors and inspectors in the
field. In this way we can address and correct problems that arise due to
incorrect, unclear or out of date information contained in the LCS.
Document Contents
Tree Preservation and Protection
Landscape Grading and Drainage
Soils
Landscape Irrigation System
Shrub and Groundcover Planting
Tree Planting
Seeding and Sodding Turf Grass
Pruning and Removal of Established Trees
Fertilization of Established Trees
Landscape Construction Standards
Review annually, with revisions as needed by July 1.
11
*Excerpt from LCS
Planting Mix Specifications From
Landscape Construction Standards Manual
(Section 02100- Soil)
A. Planting Mix:
Planting mix may be developed by amending the existing soil or removing the
existing soil and replacing with new planting mix.
It shall be uniform composition throughout, with a mixture of subsoil. It shall be free
of stones, lumps, live plants and their roots, sticks, and other extraneous matter. It
shall contain no man-made materials unless otherwise specified. Planting mix shall
not be used while in a frozen or muddy condition.
Unless otherwise specified in the contract documents the planting mix shall contain
the following specified percentages of constituents:
CLAY
Minimum 10% - Maximum 40%
SAND
Minimum 20% - Maximum 50%
SILT
Minimum 20% - Maximum 50%
ORGANIC MATERIAL
Minimum 5% - Maximum 10%
SILT
Minimum 20% - Maximum 50%
Organic Material is defined as compost/humus such
as sawdust or leaf mold that has completed the
decompression process. Percentage of organic
matter shall be determined by loss on ignition,
of moisture free samples dried at 65 degrees
Planting mix shall have an acidity range of pH 5.5 to 7.0.
A sample of the proposed planting mix shall be submitted to the Engineer 30
calendar days prior to installation and be approved prior to installation.
Preapproved Soil Suppliers are recertified each year by July 1
13
Charlotte Land Development Standards Manual
Tree Details
The Charlotte Land Development Standards Manual (CLDSM)
is a dynamic document that provides detailed specifications
for many aspects of Land Development, including planting
and protecting trees. A extraordinarily unique aspect of
Charlotte’s land development program is the seamless
marriage of typical engineering disciplines with arboriculture
science and tree management. In order for the standards to
remain current, a committee was formed and charged with
updating the manual twice a year. The details are reviewed in
length by professionals in various areas of expertise, from
engineers to city planners, on how the urban infrastructure
can sustain our urban forest.
Review and revisions as needed bi annually
11
*Excerpt from CLDSM
Links to Tree Facts Sheet are Available Through CLDSM
The Approved Plant Species list is a part of the Charlotte Land Development
Standards Manual (CLDSM). The plant species list will remain current, through a
committee charged with updating the manual twice a year. This list contain plant
species that meet the City Tree Ordinance, Capital Improvement Program and
TreeCharlotte criteria for planting. Links are provided, in the CLDSM for each
plant to a Horticopia developed facts sheet.
Charlotte Land Development Standards Manual (CLDSM)
Horticopia
11
Charlotte ‘s Tree Ordinance
Originally adopted by City Council in 1978, Chapter 21 of the city code, the Tree Ordinance,
protects trees in the public rights-of-way and those required for new development or
redevelopment on private property . The ordinance also requires tree planting with new
construction. The tree ordinance was formulated and periodically revised by various
stakeholders including: city staff, local arborists, landscape architects, developers, utility
professionals, and tree advocates. Stakeholder collaboration yielded a balanced ordinance that
City Council adopted. That document addresses multiple issues facing the tree canopy
including species diversity, management of exotic invasive plants, tree protection, correct
planting techniques and mitigation of future negative tree canopy impacts.
Charlotte’s tree ordinance has been periodically updated to reflect changing pressures on the
urban forest and advancement of arboriculture science. The purpose of the tree ordinance is
to preserve, protect and promote the health, safety and general welfare of public trees by
providing for the regulation of the planting, maintenance and removal of trees located on
roadways, parks and public areas owned or controlled by the city and on new developments
and alterations to previous developments on private property. The ordinance includes multiple
provisions:
1. Protect, facilitate and enhance the aesthetic qualities of the community to ensure that
tree removal does not reduce property values.
2. Emphasize the importance of trees and vegetation as both visual and physical buffers.
3. Promote clean air quality by reducing air pollution and carbon dioxide levels in the
atmosphere, returning pure oxygen to the atmosphere and increasing dust filtration.
4. Reduce the harmful effects of wind and air turbulence, heat and noise, and the glare of
motor vehicle lights.
5. Minimize increases in temperatures on lands with natural and planted tree cover.
6. Maintain moisture levels in the air of lands with natural tree cover.
7. Preserve underground water reservoirs and permit the return of precipitation to the
groundwater strata.
8. Prevent soil erosion.
9. Provide shade.
10. Minimize the cost of construction and maintenance of drainage systems necessitated by
the increased flow and diversion of surface waters by facilitating a natural drainage system
and amelioration of storm water drainage problems.
11. Conserve natural resources, including adequate air and water.
12. Require the preservation and planting of trees on site to maintain and enlarge the tree
canopy across the city.
The tree ordinance is applied to private property through a Engineering and Property
Management Land Development review process. This process incorporates input and review
by various disciplines including storm water management, public infrastructure improvements,
erosion control, city planning and zoning. This collaborative review process is paramount to
ensuring tree protection and tree planting. Once a plan for new development has been
approved, the City’s Urban Forestry Specialist oversees the construction process. The Urban
Forestry Specialist monitors tree protection and inspects all new required tree planting.
Charlotte’s tree ordinance and associated guideline documents
11
TreesCharlotte Planting Program
Capital Improvements Projects Planting Program
Planting Programs
Landscape Management‘s Street Tree Planting Program
City of Charlotte
Right Tree Right Place
Right Tree Right Place
The City of Charlotte strives to put the right tree in the right place with all its tree planting programs
and projects.
This means putting a tree in a site that will allow the tree to grow and thrive without causing undo
problems and keeping maintenance requirements to a minimum. There is no such thing as a
“perfect” tree, but by placing the best available tree in the best available location, we can go a long
way in maximizing the benefits that our trees provide.
Listed below are some of the factors taken into account when planting trees:
Overhead Utilities – the presence of overhead electric lines may dictate that a small maturing tree be
planted or prevent a tree from being planted at all.
Underground utilities – water, sewer, gas , cable and telecommunication lines can all be found
underground in the right of way. This requires that the utilities be properly located when choosing
planting sites.
Soil Volume – trees require an adequate amount of soil volume to support them both physically and
biologically. While there is no absolute amount of soil volume needed for a particular tree, in general
smaller soil volume requires the use of smaller maturing tree species.
Soil condition – Trees need a soil that can provide the physical and chemical properties that they
require to grow and thrive. In newly installed street medians this is insured by a specific soil mixture
being installed. In most other cases trees are placed in the existing soil. Some problems can be
addressed with soil amendment and/or fertilization but the best approach to a poor soil is to plant a
tree that can handle the less than ideal conditions
Sight lines- a great deal of the City’s tree planting occurs within the street right-of-way. This places
trees relatively close to the street and warrants careful attention to vehicle sight lines. Simply put this
means placing trees in locations that do not interfere with a driver’s or pedestrian’s ability to see
traffic.
Existing vegetation – existing trees in a planting project need to be taken into account for two
reasons. The first is the physical space that the existing and proposed trees will need in order to
thrive. The second is the amount of shade generated by existing trees. Shade levels may dictate using
shade tolerant species.
Air space – overhead space is needed for any proposed tree’s canopy. If the overhead space is limited
the tree size may need to be small or necessitate using a narrow or columnar tree species.
Travel lanes – trees limbs need to be kept out of travel lanes to prevent damage to vehicles and
trees. This is particularly important where trucks and larger vehicles are prevalent. This can be
accomplished through selecting trees that will stay small or narrow, or selecting trees that will be
tall enough to arch over the street.
Fruit litter – trees that produce objectionable fruit, such as Gingko are avoided. Trees that produce a
great deal of fruit may be avoided in setting where this would cause a problem.
Disease and Drought resistance – Typical right of way tree plantings are in fairly harsh environment
and it is important for selected tree species to be as disease and drought resistant as possible.
Ordinances - Some tree plantings and projects fall under ordinances that put limits on the sizes,
types and numbers of trees planted. In particular this occurs on State roads where the largest
mature size trees the City can plant must meet state regulations.
The City of Charlotte will continue to use and update these guidelines in order to develop a robust
and healthy tree population throughout the City.
PHOTO 1
PHOTO 2
Landscape Management Street Tree Planting Program
Trees in the City’s rights-of-way are protected by the Tree Ordinance and are managed by the Landscape
Management’s (LM) Tree Division. The street tree planting program incorporates current urban forestry
research, industry best management practices (BMPs) and staff experience into a planting model
designed to deliver the “right tree” to the “right place”. Major goals of the street tree planting program
include: help develop a sustainable tree canopy, beautify neighborhoods and increase the benefits
provided to citizens by Charlotte’s street trees. Trees define a sense of place in communities. LM
arborists recognize that citizens often develop emotional attachments to street trees and many view
them as important components of their community. LM arborists interact with citizens through the
street tree planting program to improve the quality of life in Charlotte neighborhoods.
Program Model
Strategic Planning
 To ensure program goals are met, City arborist staff meet annually and review components
of the street tree planting program. Staff reviews planting criteria, data collection protocols,
contract processes and other BMPs.
Planting Criteria
LM strives to help develop a sustainable tree canopy. LM arborists use a set of criteria that maximizes
the potential of each tree planted. Examples of the criteria are listed below.






Distance from conflicts - intersections, other trees, water meters, overhead utility lines
Planting strip width – available space for root growth
Species requirements – mature size of tree, shade tolerance, site conditions
Soil condition – soil quality, soil compaction
Previous stump ground out
Neighborhood Master Plan – areas with an existing plans have additional criteria
As BMPs have evolved, re-planting a site where a previous tree existed may not always follow the “right
tree right place” model. Street trees can’t always be replaced on a 1:1 basis. For example: three trees
planted on 40’ spacing may provide the same amount of canopy coverage as six trees on 20’ spacing. LM
arborists use their technical/arboriculture science based knowledge to select the best planting sites and
work with citizens to achieve desirable urban landscapes.
Finding Planting Sites
 Citizen Requests – Through Cityworks, the City’s GIS work management system, numerous
tree planting requests are submitted each year to LM. LM arborists then review requests for
planting potential applying approved planting criteria. Inspection results are noted and
entered into Cityworks. Citizens are then contacted and notified of the inspection results.


Removal list – Each tree removal site is evaluated by LM arborists in the field for re-planting
potential using approved criteria. Removal sites are generated from Cityworks.
Neighborhoods with high rates of tree removals are noted and targeted for re-planting.
Neighborhood canvassing – LM arborists use GIS to determine available planting locations
within the city. Priority areas evaluated by GIS include neighborhoods with low tree canopy,
available planting strip, and high tree removal rates. GIS is also used to ensure street tree
planting won’t conflict with other existing department projects.
LM arborists mark the curb with a paint blaze when a site is selected for planting. Planting information is
then logged in Cityworks. An informational flyer explaining the street tree planting program is left at
single-family residences notifying citizens of the upcoming planting. LM arborists follow up on all citizen
questions and attempt to find a solution that works for all parties in the event of a conflict.
Planting contract process
 Planting data is organized in Cityworks and geographically divided into contracts based on
zip code.
 North Carolina Registered Landscape Contractors bid on and are awarded contract work.
 Contract work – Work is completed Oct. 15-Apr. 15. This timeline represents the best
planting window for trees in the Charlotte region and helps ensure long-term survival.
Contract specifics include providing citizens a second informational flyer, installing all trees
according to City Landscape Construction Standards, and require contractors to provide a
one year warranty ensuring the health of planted trees. Installation must also adhere to all
American National Standards Institute (ANSI) A300 standards for tree planting.
 LM arborists routinely inspect installation work throughout life of the contract.
Final Steps
 Planting data is uploaded into the City’s tree inventory in Cityworks.
 LM arborists conduct inspections throughout the warranty period to monitor the health of
contract trees. LM arborists respond to all citizen requests reporting dead/declining
contract trees.
 Dead/declining contract trees are noted and that information is forwarded to contractor for
replacement. Trees are removed within five days of notification and re-planted in the fall.
1. Arrow is pointing to a new planting that replaced a declining willow oak that was on a removal list generated by Cityworks.
2. Laurel oaks planted in a three-foot planting strip. An example of what the “right tree right place” model is attempting to avoid.
Landscape Construction Standards
TreesCharlotte Planting Program
TreesCharlotte was created as a public/private collaborative dedicated to planting 15,000
trees annually, primarily through volunteer efforts. The collaborative also educates
Charlotte's residents on the importance of the canopy and ways to plant and preserve
trees. In recognition of the canopy's importance, the Charlotte City Council recently adopted
a bold tree canopy coverage goal of 50% by 2050. The design process is used to provide
TreesCharlotte with an efficient, marketable presentation tool.
Program Model
Preliminary Landscape Design/Due Diligence
• Identify low canopy areas using ArcGIS canopy studies.
• Determine planting areas and existing site conditions, size, utility conflicts, safety
concerns, grading/slope issues, maintenance.
• Assemble AutoCAD files from ArcGIS shape files, aerials or existing 100% construction
files (ensure all drawings are geo-referenced and/or at the proper X, Y coordinates).
• Clean up data for landscape design.
• Setup landscape design sheets as close to construction set as possible (construction
consultants work in Microstation, AutoCAD conversion requires setting up sheets from
scratch).
• Determine the site appropriate plant material.
• Prepare preliminary hand/computer/2-D color renderings of design for TreesCharlotte
use for presentations.
• Determine the environmental impact using iTree (i.e. carbon footprint, energy savings,
storm water collection, etc.....).
• Determine plant counts, cost, and market availability for proposed volunteer tree
planting event.
Final Landscape Design/ Final AutoCAD Construction Drawings
•
•
•
•
•
•
Layout final design using AutoCAD, MColor, Adobe Photoshop & lnDesign.
Place final labels, plant details and schedule on final design.
Prepare a final cost estimate and determine availability.
Update iTree data using your final tree selection, location and size.
Clear up possible maintenance issues/maintenance review.
Layout illustrative drawing upon request.
Bid Process
•
•
•
•
Assemble contract specifications and plans for each project
Submit bid documents for advertisement
Collect bids from contractors
Conduct bid opening and award contract to qualified low bidder
Project Installation/Tree Planting Event
•
•
•
•
•
•
Layout final design using AutoCad, MColor, Adobe Photoshop and InDesign
Place final labels, plant details and schedule on final design.
Prepare a final cost estimate and determine availability of trees.
Update iTree data using final tree selections, locations and size.
Clear up possible maintenance issues/maintenance review.
Layout illustrative drawing upon request.
Final Steps
• Bring AutoCAD drawings into TreesCharlotte ArcGIS software (ensure sure all drawings
are georeferenced and/or at the proper X, Y coordinates).
• Ensure all trees are located and identified properly as they were installed.
* This process will be reviewed and approved each year by July 1".
Capital Improvement Program (CIP) Tree Planting Program
The Capital Improvement Program (CIP) is a voter approved bond program that allows the
City to keep pace with an expanding population, replace aging infrastructure and improve
quality of life for the citizens of Charlotte. Examples of projects include new roads and
sidewalks, neighborhood improvements such as curb and gutter, and streetscapes. The CIP
in- house design group at Landscape Management is responsible for designing and
installing landscapes for all of the Capital based projects. This includes the installation of
trees, shrubs, and groundcover planting. The majority of this work occurs in the street
right of way and consists of landscaped medians and plantings between the curb and
sidewalk . Installation of trees and landscaping is done by qualified private contractors
selected though a bid process.
Program Model
Project Planning – CIP landscaping projects originate from a variety of sources, including:
CDOT, CATS, Engineering, Planning, and Storm Water. Landscape Management CIP
Arborists and design staff work with E&PM project managers in coordinating meetings and
citizen involvement, producing designs and design documents, and overseeing the
purchasing and contract installation of plant material. Landscape Management (LM) is
involved as much as possible at a project’s inception to insure that the planting plan aligns
with the goals and constraints of the project. L M strives to develop a sustainable tree
canopy, improve and beautify streets and neighborhoods through tree planting and to
give streets and neighborhoods a ‘tree identity’ wherever possible. Other goals may
include traffic calming, noise abatement and screening for property owners.
Planting Design Process
•
•
•
•
•
•
Determine project parameters, goals and constraints through communication with
project manager
Conduct on-site visits to determine site conditions and develop a plant palette
Receive construction plan sets in AutoCAD. These plans are “cleaned up” and used as
a base for the landscape plan
Preliminary designs are done in AutoCAD. Plans are reviewed an amended during this
project based on feedback
Preliminary Cost Estimating/Plant Availability
Final Landscape Design
Installation
•
Conduct pre construction conference with contractor, inspector and project manager
to go over specifications, timelines, traffic control plan, etc.
•
Approve contractor supplied plant material and staking
•
Approve flagged locations of trees installations in field with CDOT personnel
•
Oversee on-site inspection during length of project installation to insure compliance
with specifications, traffic control and safety.
Conduct final inspection in field to correct any problems. One year warranty of plant
•
material begins with acceptance of projects.
Final Steps
•
•
•
As built plans are generated based on what was installed in the field. AutoCad
drawings with individual tree locations are brought into Cityworks GIS software
LM arborists conduct inspections throughout the warranty period to monitor the
health of trees and plant material. LM arborists respond to requests reporting
dead/declining trees and plant material.
Any dead/declining are removed within five days of notification and replaced in the
next planting season.
Pruning
Emergency Response
Safety Training
City of Charlotte
Tree Maintenance Program
Cankerworms
Fall Cankerworm - Charlotte's Urban Forest Threat
The fall cankerworm (Alsophila pometaria) is a native insect to the Charlotte region that feeds on
emerging tree leaves in the spring. For the past 20 years the cankerworm population in Charlotte has
continued to grow to levels detrimental to the City's tree canopy. Large cankerworm populations can
defoliate entire trees. In most cases the insect won't kill trees, but repeated defoliation can stress trees
and leave them more susceptible to threats such as drought, disease and other insects. In 1990 the City
began a tree-banding program to help protect street trees from repeated defoliation. Each fall the
City works with multiple contractors to band
large street trees throughout the entire city
of Charlotte.
Band Together
Visit http://charmeck.org/city/charlotte/charlottetrees
to see how you can help control the cankerworm problem
in Charlotte by banding the trees in your neighborhood.
Cankerworm
Management Options
Photo Credits
All photos courtesy of forestryimages.org
Clockwise from the top:
A. Steven Munson, USDA Forest Service
USDA Forest Service - Ogden Archives
Joseph Berger, Bugwood.org
G. Keith Douce, University of Georgia
John H. Gent, USDA Forest Service
Charlotte Trees Website
In addition to tree-banding
the City conducted aerial spraying
in 1992, 1998, and 2008 to help
reduce the cankerworm
population. The insecticide used
was BT (Bacillus Thuringiensis).
BT is a native and naturally
occurring bacterium already
present in the environment. In the
spring after spraying, the number
of cankerworms caught in tree
bands significantly dropped in
areas sprayed with BT. City staff
monitors the cankerworm
population each year by
inspecting banded street trees.
18
33
City staff monitors cankerworm bands
install around street trees in the fall.
Female cankerworm moths attempting
to crawl up the tree to lay eggs
are trapped and then counted. The
monitoring program gives the City
arborist the ability to estimate the
Infestation levels of the following
spring.
33
The purpose of the tree maintenance is to prolong the life and health of our trees while providing a
safe environment for vehicles, pedestrians, and property. This program strives to provide tree
maintenance in the safest and most efficient manor possible.
The primary duties of the tree maintenance program consists of maintaining approximately 180,000
city trees. City trees are described as those that have all or part of their trunks within Charlotte
street rights of way. This work includes tree pruning, tree removal, inventory of city trees, storm
cleanup, and educating citizens on the care of city trees. The tree maintenance group also
collaborates with CDOT to resolve sight distance clearance problems.
Tree maintenance work is organized managed through Cityworks, the City’s GIS work management
system. To accomplish this work, the city utilizes both in house crews and private tree contractors.
The city staff consists of a Tree Management Supervisor, a Field Tree Inspector and 14 field
personnel. Of these 16 people, 4 are ISA Certified Arborists and 1 is an ISA Certified Arborist
Municipal Specialist.
Tree Pruning
The tree maintenance division responds to over 1,500 service requests each year. These requests
come primarily from the public but can also be from other city departments and from within the
Landscape Management Division. This results in the pruning of approximately 2,500 trees of all
sizes each year. A significant portion of tree pruning is completed through a systematic process. In
order to increase efficiency, tree maintenance crews focus on pruning specific areas at one time.
This eliminates the need to constantly return to the same area to trim one or two trees at a time.
All contract work is completed through a systematic cycle resulting in the pruning of another 2,300
trees annually.
33
Tree Removal
The City’s goal is to preserve, protect, and enhance the tree canopy of our community, trees that are
hazardous do need to be removed. Every effort and all alternatives are considered prior to the
removal of any City tree. Safety of the general public and properties are of utmost priority to the
City of Charlotte. No tree is worth someone’s health or property. Many of the older neighborhoods
have majestic large old willow oaks that are gradually declining. In these incidents, private tree
contractors are used perform the removal operations. They are equipped with large cranes, dump
trucks and other equipment needed to perform the work. Though we remove over 500 trees of all
sizes, every effort is made to replant and continue the urban forest for future generations.
Bradford Pears
Due to the structure and susceptibility to disease, the planting of Bradford Pears as street trees is no
longer allowed within the city limits of Charlotte. It is the policy of the City to replace all Bradford
Pears as program costs and resources allow. Current plantings of Bradfords will be evaluated on an
individual basis. Pears that have already split or show signs of splitting will be removed by the City
of Charlotte or by permit to the adjoining property owner. The possibility of a replacement tree will
be determined on an individual basis.
33
17
Timely and effective response to emergency
situations is one of the functions of the Landscape
Management Division. Receiving and analyzing
emergency warnings, deciding the magnitude and
timing of clean-up operations, alerting personnel,
and continually observing operations and conditions
as a guide in directing strategy are all vital parts of
these response operations. Through Cityworks, the
City’s GIS work management system, city staff stays
connected to other departments and responds
efficiently to emergencies.
Primary responsibility for storm damage clean-up
lies with the Tree Management section of Landscape
Management. However due to the intensity of the
storm, all Landscape Management employees may
be called in to assist. In cases of severe storms, interdepartment cooperation with Street Maintenance
and Special Services in the sharing of equipment and
staff may be critical to providing the timely and
efficient clean-up services that the citizens of
Charlotte expect.
HURRICANE HUGO North Carolina's coastline
suffered significant damage along its southwardfacing beaches, including Brunswick County and
the Outer Bank
The storm reached Charlotte only six hours after
landfall, not having slowed down when reaching
land. By this time, it was still a fairly strong
tropical storm with sustained winds of 54 mph
(87 km/h) and gusts of 87 mph (140 km/hple
trees across roads and houses, leaving many
without power, closing schools for as long as two
weeks, and spawning several tornadoes. The
storm took many in the area by surprise.
Charlotte is roughly 150 miles (240 km) inland,
and many coastal residents from both Carolinas
often wait out storms there.
By 7:00 am, it was still strong enough to cause
heavy rain and tear down hundreds of trees
in Conover.
Damages in that state alone estimated at
$1
billion
(1989
USD,
$1.85
billion
2013 USD).WIKAPEDIA
Storm Classifications
Landscape Management Division divides
storm events into 4 classes determined by the
number of calls received, the amount of tree
damage sustained and how widespread the
areas affected are.
Class I is handled by the regular on-call crew.
Class 2 requires additional assistance by tree
management staff.
Class 3 requires assistance from all of
Landscape Management staff and may
involve other city departments.
Class 4 is a widespread emergency event
involving all city departments.
Link to Disaster Debris Removal and Debris Management Services
17
Canopy Facts
Charlotte Street Tree Diversity
Street Trees by Tax Area
City of Charlotte
Tree Canopy Analysis
Currently anticipating 2012 tree
canopy analysis……….
Tree Canopy Analysis
Tree canopy coverage analyses are paramount to an effective
management strategy. At this time detailed species information is
not a component of coverage analysis. Tree health and species
composition is collected for the City’s street tree inventory, however
this data is not currently collected across the entire city on private
property. The first step in understanding how to manage our dynamic
ever changing urban forest is to ascertain its breadth. While there
are various methods of calculating tree canopy coverage, Charlotte
has elected to employ the use of aerial photography. Since 2002
canopy studies have utilized high resolution aerial photography
which has given us the most definitive calculation of Charlotte’s tree
coverage.
City of Charlotte Tree Canopy
Total
Acres
Tree
Canopy
Acres
Population
2002
183,000
88,000
48%
579684
2008
183,000
85,000
46.5%
695,995
2012
2
Charlotte’s Street Tree Diversity: What do we Want?
Charlotte City Council’s 2011 Environment Focus Area Plan established a number of initiatives to
safeguard the City’s environment. One specific measure of the plan is to responsibly manage
Charlotte’s tree canopy. Included in this plan is a strategic decision to focus on and increase the
number of large maturing street trees planted each season in City right-of-way. An additional
planting strategy included in this plan is to target and maintain an appropriate diversity of tree
species in the right-of-way.
Species Importance
Charlotte’s 2005 Municipal Forest Resource Analysis listed willow oak as the dominant street tree species
representing 17% of the total street tree population. A 2013 i-Tree Streets analysis listed willow oak as the
second most dominant species representing 13% of the population. However, the most striking result from
both analyses is willow oak’s importance value (IV). IV is a measurement that takes into consideration a
species total quantity, mature size, canopy cover and benefits provided. IVs rank species on a scale of 1 to 100
based on the overall benefits they’ll provide to a community. In 2005 and 2013 the IV for willow oak was 38
and 33. The next closest species in both 2005 and 2013 was red maple with IVs of 6 and 9. This suggests an
over-reliance on willow oak.
Threats to the Urban Forest
Many destructive urban forest threats target a specific tree species, genus or family. An over-abundance in one
of these areas may leave a street tree population more vulnerable to destructive pests and diseases. One pest
that is currently impacting street trees in Charlotte is the fall cankerworm. Large populations of this insect have
the ability to defoliate significant portions of an urban forest. Other urban forest threats with the potential to
impact street trees, if ever established in Charlotte, include gypsy moth, Asian long-horned beetle, oak wilt and
emerald ash borer.
Street Tree
Crape Myrtle
Willow Oak
16%
13%
Red Maple
Callery Pear
10%
5%
Dogwood
Cherry Species
Sugar Maple
Sweetgum
4%
3%
3%
3%
Eastern Redcedar 2%
Pear Species
2%
iTree program
Genus
Family
Quercus
Acer
19%
17%
Lagerstroemia
Pyrus
16%
7%
Prunus
Cornus
5%
5%
Pinus
Juniperus
4%
3%
Ulmus
Liquidambar
3%
3%
Fagaceae
Aceraceae
Lythraceae
Rosaceae
Cupressaceae
Cornaceae
Pinaceae
Ulmaceae
Hamaelidaceae
Aquifoliaceae
19%
17%
16%
15%
5%
5%
4%
4%
3%
2%
Charlotte’s Street Tree Diversity
The street tree population in Charlotte is a diverse and dynamic resource.
The City currently maintains an inventory of 144,000 of an approximate
180,000 street trees. Over 230 individual species are represented with crape
myrtle and willow oak as the dominant species. Approximately 86% of all
street trees in Charlotte are deciduous trees with 39% being large maturing
species (trees that will grow >40’).
Top 5 Street Tree Species
5%
5%
16%
10%
13%
CRAPE MYRTLE
WILLOW OAK
RED MAPLE
CALLERY PEAR
FLOWERING DOGWOOD
Species Dominance
A 2005 street tree analysis, completed by the U.S. Forest Service,
listed willow oak as the dominant species. Eight years later the
willow oak is now the second most dominant species. Crape
myrtle, a small maturing tree, is now the dominant species.
Approximately 43% of all trees listed in the current inventory are
small maturing species.
Urban forests with low species diversity may be more vulnerable to serious
forest pests and diseases. Standard diversity recommendations call for no
single tree species exceeding 10%, no single genus exceeding 20%, and no
single family exceeding 30% of the total street tree population.
In the past 10 years the City of
Charlotte has annexed
significant portions of
Mecklenburg County. Many of
the neighborhoods in these
areas have yet to be surveyed
for street trees. As more areas
of the city are surveyed the
diversity, dominant species, and
overall street tree total will
continue to change.
Contents
• Origins
• TreesCharlotte Overview
• Accomplishments
• Goals and Budgets
• Addenda
3
TreesCharlotte - Origins
4
Inspiration
• Charlotte’s tree canopy is our most recognized
natural treasure.
• Trees clean our air, reduce storm water run-off,
cool our streets, reduce energy use, increase
property values, and give us beauty. Trees are
essential to our health, both physically and
mentally.
• We lost 3% of the canopy between 2002-2008
and additional losses are projected from
mortality and building.
• The community’s goal of 50% canopy by 2050
was adopted by City Council in 2011.
• The goal calls for broad civic engagement to
plant and care for trees.
5
Merging of Parallel
Efforts
• April 2010 – Canopy Analysis
• June 2010 – Increased funding for trees
City of
Charlotte
• June 2011 - Council adopts 50% by 2050
• Nov 2011 - Study commissioned &
funded
• July 2012 – Unanimous Council
endorsement
• June 2010 – Canopy Committee gathers
Knight
Foundation
Canopy
Committee
• Fall 2010 – Workgroup drafts plan
• Feb 2011 – TreesCharlotte plan ratified
• Nov 2011 – Study commissioned & funded
• April 2012 – Branding committee creates
logo
TreesCharlotte
collaborative
is born at May
2012 Action
Summit;
FFTC endorses
plan; City
partnership &
commitment
formed for
TreesCharlotte
• July 2012 – KF makes leadership gift to TC
6
Canopy Numbers
– Meeting the canopy goal means planting
500,000 trees, or “canopying” 12,000
acres. Spread over 20 years, we will need
to plant 25,000 trees per year.
– Currently about 10,000 trees are being
planted by the City and limited volunteer
efforts. TreesCharlotte’s goal is to plant
15,000 more trees each year.
– Aerial analysis every 3 years and adjust
programs.
– There is insufficient public land to meet
planting needs.
– Residential subdivisions hold the most
potential for planting and for community
engagement.
TreesCharlotte Overview
8
TreesCharlotte - From
Generation to Generation
• TreesCharlotte is…
– a public / private collaborative to
plant trees, raise awareness of the
canopy, and educate on tree care
– an efficient, entrepreneurial business
model blending public and private
capital
– a movement to establish preservation
of the canopy as a community-wide
value
– a community catalyst for civic
engagement
– a national model for other
communities to adopt
9
Organization &
Governance Structure
Leadership
Foundation For The Carolinas
– TreesCharlotte Foundation
• Functions: Strategic project
advisor; raise and distribute
private capital
• Fund of FFTC
• Functions under FFTC by-laws
and 501-C3
• Staff support from project
director
• Agreement ends December,
2014
Programs
NeighborWoods
• Lead Agency: Catawba
Lands Conservancy
• Functions: Manage and
promote NeighborWoods;
coordinate with NBS
grants program &
Landscape Management
Project
Director
• Contracted
by Board &
City
• Provides
support &
collaborativ
e
leadership
across
platform
• Supports
Board
City of Charlotte
• Functions: Technical support of
NeighborWoods, leadership,
capital
• Urban Forestry Plan; and
NeighborWoods planning,
design, utilities, materials
management, etc.
• Identify NeighborWoods targets
• Plant & maintain street trees
Reforestation / Creek
ReLeaf
• Lead agencies: Storm
Water Services &
Charlotte Public Tree Fund
• Functions: Plant
reforestation trees via
Creek ReLeaf and other
programs
• City or TreesCharlotte
provides trees, case by
case
Other Tree Planting,
Care & Education
Programs
• Lead agencies: Unknown
• Functions: Plant or care
for trees; advance mission
of TreesCharlotte,
including education
10
Governance
• TreesCharlotte Foundation Board
– Housed at Foundation For The Carolinas
– Operates under FFTC By-Laws, including
Conflict of Interest policy
– Infrequent meetings as needed, 2 per year
– Support from Project Director
11
TreesCharlotte Foundation –
Founding Board
• Johnny Harris, CoChair
• Marcia Simon, CoChair
• Philip Blumenthal
• David Carroll
• Betty Chafin Rash
• Lori Collins
• David Darnell
• Frank Dowd IV
• Kathryn Heath
•
•
•
•
•
•
•
Joan Higginbotham
Howard Levine
Rolfe Neill
Tom Nelson
Tom Skains
Michael Tarwater
Charlotte City
Manager
12
Collaborative Partners
– Carolinas HealthCare
System
– Charlotte Housing
Authority
– Catawba Lands
Conservancy
– Charlotte Public Tree
Fund
– City of Charlotte,
including Charlotte
Tree Advisory
Commission,
Landscape
Management,
Neighborhood &
Business Services,
Planning, Storm Water,
Sustainability and
–
–
–
–
–
–
–
–
–
Urban Forestry
Charlotte Mecklenburg
Schools
Crescent Resources
Duke Energy
Hands On Charlotte
Mecklenburg County,
Parks & Recreation and
Storm Water Services
North End Partners
Queens University of
Charlotte
University of North
Carolina Charlotte
NC Forest Service
13
Accomplishments
14
Accomplishments – Year 1 (FY13)
ACCOMPLISHMENTS
Tree Planting Projects
NeighborWoods Trees Reforestation Volunteer
Volunteer Street
Trees
Count Comments
13
25
0
15 Boys & Girls Club partnership
55
287
0
27 Phase II of project
 Stewart Creek
 Peachtree Hills
Meck Storm H2O & Char. Public
 Tree Fund
0
Southside (Char Housing Auth  Phase I)
238
 Marie G. Davis School
55
 Little Rock (Char Housing Auth) 216
 Shuffletown Park
70
 Briar Bend
0
 Applegate Neighborhood
193
General Point & Estates
 Neighborhood
134
 Southside Park
21
 Historic Rosedale
27
 Berewick Elementary
185
Total Trees
1,207
Date
Sponsorship
9/15/2012 CSX
11/4/2012 TreesCharlotte
Irwin Creek
11/17/2012 City & others
186
27
0
75
100+ Queens Student volunteers
Planted w/ Southside Homes
Carolinas HealthCare volunteers
Boy Scout volunteers
City Contract
Supportive HOA
12/1/2012
12/1/2012
2/8/2013
2/16/2013
2/20/2013
3/2/2013
73
13
8
50
656
3/9/2013 TreesCharlotte
Supportive HOA
Uptown Rotary volunteers
3/23/2013 Uptown Rotary
Small event for this non-profit 4/13/2013 TreesCharlotte
Partnership with Hands On CLT 4/27/2013 TreesCharlotte
Total Trees - 4,000
0
1,400
186
0
35
0
0
35
0
0
0
0
880
0
182
0
0
0
0
568
0
0
0
0
2,280
Crescent Resources
Crescent & CHS
Carolinas HealthCare
TreesCharlotte
City
TreesCharlotte
15
Accomplishments – Year 1 (FY13)
• Reached tree planting goal of 4,000 trees
• Established TreesCharlotte Foundation
Board
• Raised $130,000 to meet fundraising
target
• Established effective partnerships in
collaborative
• Held successful Tree Canopy Action
Summit
• Launched TreesCharlotte.org
16
Peachtree Hills – November 4, 2012
Lead Sponsor: TreesCharlotte
Mission Accomplished: 55 trees
planted
Volunteer Effort: 27 volunteers and
residents collectively gave
81hours
Conditions: Perfect weather, soil
conditions were fair
Community Partners: Self-Help
CDC , Peachtree Hills Home
Owners Association and Catawba
Lands Conservancy
17
Peachtree Hills – Before & After
Development
2002
2004
Southside Community & Marie G.
Davis Academy – December 1, 2012
Lead Sponsor: Crescent Resources
Mission Accomplished: 293 trees
planted
Volunteer Effort: 182 volunteers
collectively gave 728 hours
Conditions: Perfect weather, soil
conditions were brutal
Community Partners: Crescent
Resources, City of Charlotte,
Charlotte Housing Authority,
Catawba Lands Conservancy,
Carolinas HealthCare System,
Charlotte Mecklenburg Schools,
Queens University, TreesCharlotte
Photos by Nancy Pierce
19
Little Rock Community –
February 8, 2013
Lead Sponsor: Carolinas HealthCare
Systems
Mission Accomplished: 216 trees
planted
Volunteer Effort: 186 volunteers
collectively gave 465 hours
Conditions: Weather and soil
conditions were excellent
Community Partners: Carolinas
HealthCare System, City of Charlotte,
Charlotte Housing Authority,
Catawba Lands Conservancy,
TreesCharlotte
20
This plan set is an example
of the information tools
used to engage
neighborhoods in the
TreesCharlotte planting
program .
Replacing Aging Tree Canopy
Canopy Challenges
City of Charlotte
Species Diversity
Species Diversity: Challenges for Charlotte’s Tree Canopy
Urban forests with low species diversity are vulnerable to pests and diseases, which may reduce
the amount of benefits trees provide to the community. Urban forest health can be maintained by
planting a diverse mix of trees that are proven performers in urban environments. Planting programs
can modify their strategies to meet species diversity challenges by focusing on using a balanced planting
approach on both public and private property.
Species Diversity
The pre-settlement forest of the Charlotte region was a blend of oak-pine, oak-hickory, loblolly
pine-shortleaf pine, and oak-gum-cypress forest types. While the area has seen significant changes since
the first settlers arrived, many descendants of these original forests are now part of Charlotte’s current
urban forest. There is no empirical data available outlining the current species diversity of Charlotte’s
greater urban forest. Data is available related to Charlotte’s public trees. It’s important to note that
public trees makeup a small portion of the urban forest.
Current inventory data indicates there is potential to increase the diversity of Charlotte’s street
tree population. The top three species account for approximately 39% of all street trees (Figure 1).
Industry standard species diversity recommendations call for no tree species exceeding 10%, no genus
exceeding 20%, and no family exceeding 30% of the total population. The three most common species
are at or above the standard recommendation of 10%. No individual genus or family exceeds standard
diversity recommendations.
The City of Charlotte hasn’t officially adopted a species diversity standard, but does have
policies in place to promote diversity in its planting programs. Policies include: 1) plant a mix of
native/non-native species, 2) limit oak and tulip poplar plantings to planting strips eight feet wide or
larger, 3) work with nurseries to increase diversity and quality of nursery stock, 4) only plant small
mature species in locations with overhead utility line conflicts, and 5) implement streetscape plans that
diversify plantings by street segments.
Figure 1. Three Most Common Street Tree Species
Species
Percent of Street Tree
Population
CRAPE MYRTLE (Lagerstroemia indica)
16%
WILLOW OAK (Quercus phellos)
13%
RED MAPLE (Acer rubrum)
10%
Scientific research and anecdotal evidence indicates that willow oak is a dominant species in
both Charlotte’s greater urban forest and street tree population. Willow oak accounts for approximately
13% of all street trees and has strong numbers in all age classes. In other communities an overabundance of one tree species, genus, or family has led to tragic losses in tree canopy due to exotic
pests and diseases such as Dutch elm disease, Asian long-horned beetle, and emerald ash borer.
The dominance of willow oak can be seen in nearly every category of the 2013 i-Tree Streets analysis
and easily provides the most benefits of any street tree species. Unfortunately, not all of these
categories are positive. Willow oak is also the leading emitter of biogenic volatile organic
compounds (BVOCs) (Figure 2).
Figure 2. Three Most Common Street Tree Species & BVOC Emissions
Species
CRAPE MYRTLE (Lagerstroemia indica)
WILLOW OAK (Quercus phellos)
RED MAPLE (Acer rubrum)
Annual BVOC Emissions
(lbs)
negligible
60,900.31
1,332.91
BVOCs may lead to increased levels of ground-level ozone. Ground level ozone is the primary
component of smog, and is the air pollutant of greatest concern in Mecklenburg County. The significant
BVOC emissions of willow oak and other species may negate some of the benefits provided by
Charlotte’s street trees.
Species diversity plays a large in the management of tree canopy. A 2010 American Forests
report estimated that Charlotte’s tree canopy provided over a billion dollars’ worth of stormwater
interception, air quality improvement, and carbon storage benefits. The bulk of these benefits are
provided by large mature tree species. While data for the greater urban forest is lacking, small mature
species account for approximately 33% of all street trees (Figure 3). Ninety-four percent of all crape
myrtle street trees are three inches in diameter or less, indicating that this species has been heavily
planted in recent years (Figure 4).
Figure 3. Size Class of Street Trees
Figure 4. Crape Myrtle Street Tree Percentages by DBH Range
Size
Class
Tree
Count
Percent of
Street Tree
Population
Large
Small
Medium
84,337
46,994
12,911
58%
33%
9%
Total
144,242
100%
Species
CRAPE MYRTLE (Lagerstormia
indica)
DBH
1-3"
DBH
4-6"
DBH
6-12"
94%
4%
2%
Landscape Management’s Street Tree Planting Program is now focused on planting mostly large mature
species. Small mature species are now only planted/permitted under utility lines. This policy should help
improve and maintain tree canopy as well as increase the benefits provided by the canopy.
Additional analysis targeting the species makeup of Charlotte’s greater urban forest would be
invaluable to help manage current public and private planting programs. This additional analysis would
also help strategic planning and tree management related to any future or current urban forest threat
affecting Charlotte’s tree canopy.
Goals
•
Increase species diversity - Adopt species diversity standard of no tree species exceeding 10%,
no genus exceeding 20%, and no family exceeding 30% of the total street tree population into all
planting programs. This standard can also be applied to the greater urban forest.
•
•
•
•
•
Restrict plantings of top three street trees – Reduce plantings of crape myrtle, willow oak, and
red maple. Limit these species to no more than 10% of annual plantings city-wide.
Reduce plantings of high BVOC emitting species – Set a standard for limiting planting of high
BVOC species to be followed by all planting programs.
Increase tree canopy by planting more large mature species – Limit plantings of small mature
species to 10% or less of annual plantings city-wide.
Completer additional analysis Charlotte’s urban forest – Conduct an i-Tree Eco project analyzing
species, age class, canopy, and environmental benefits.
Anticipate urban forest threats – Provide training for staff in tree management for current and
potential urban forest threats such as fall cankerworm, oak wilt, and emerald ash borer.
A diverse planting of trees and other vegetation in Charlotte
Replacing an Aging Tree Canopy: Challenges for Charlotte’s Tree Canopy
Charlotte’s tree canopy is a diverse mix of species, sizes, and age classes. Many Charlotte
neighborhoods boast dense canopies of large robust trees. The benefits provided by these dense
canopies help improve the quality of life in communities. As trees age, urban foresters and arborists are
challenged to find the most efficient and effective strategies to sustain tree canopy.
Aging Tree Canopy
Extensive inventory and GIS analysis of Charlotte’s tree canopy has been completed. Additional
analysis targeting the age of Charlotte’s urban forest may be needed to better understand and define
critical canopy areas. Anecdotal evidence and historical records indicate that Charlotte’s neighborhoods
are a patchwork of varying tree canopies of assorted coverage, size, and age class. Additional analysis of
the greater urban forest would provide urban foresters, arborists, and citizens the information needed
to make more informed management decisions.
Significant public tree data is available in the form of Charlotte’s street tree inventory. Inventory
data is used by Landscape Management (LM) arborists to monitor the aging street trees in aging canopy
areas. Cityworks, the City’s GIS work management system, is used to track removals and problem trees
via service requests and work orders. LM arborists base their evaluation methods on urban forestry
research and use their professional experience to sustainable manage tree canopy in aging canopy
areas.
Many neighborhoods include extensive quantities of large older trees. These trees were often
planted within the same 10-15 year window. Essentially these areas now have even-aged urban forests.
Tree population numbers in even-aged forests are usually higher in smaller age classes and then quickly
decline as size class increases. The city-wide street tree population reflects this general trend1 (Figure 1).
Willow oak, as it is today, was a popular tree to plant earlier in the twentieth century. The favoritism
directed toward willow oak can be seen in Figure 2.
Figure 1. City-Wide Street Tree Population by Size Class
Citywide Total
30
Figure 2. City-Wide Willow Oak Street Tree Population by Size Class
30
25
20
20
Percent
Percent
25
Willow Oak in Myers Park
15
15
10
10
5
5
0
0
DBH Class (in)
1
DBH Class (in)
DBH size class is not an exact indication of age class. Exact age class data can only be referenced when planting date information and/or tree core data is available.
The willow oak population numbers in the Myers Park neighborhood don’t follow the usual declining
trend and actually display higher percentages in the larger size classes. While this reversal of the usual
trend applies only to street trees, it may also apply to private property in aging canopy neighborhoods.
Another common occurrence in these neighborhoods is the high frequency of tree removals. More City
tree removal work orders were generated for Myers Park than any other neighborhood in Charlotte. The
main concern here is that the majority of trees serving as the framework for the tree canopy will be
removed at the same time. This could create a sudden decline in canopy and the benefits provided by
the trees in certain neighborhoods.
LM arborists currently target areas with high removal rates for re-planting. Landscape
Management’s Street Tree Planting Program incorporates current urban forestry research, industry best
management practices (BMPs), and staff experience into a planting model designed to deliver the “right
tree” to the “right place”. When applied to even-aged urban forests, this planting model may slightly
alter the current streetscape in aging canopy neighborhoods by applying a balanced planting approach.
New planting locations open up as trees are removed in aging canopy neighborhoods. These planting
locations are often heavily shaded due to the large quantity of remaining large older trees. LM arborists
will select shade-tolerant species to fill the void. This is one example of how streetscapes may be slightly
altered.
Goals
•
•
•
Define all neighborhoods with aging canopy – Determine an aging canopy standard. Use current
inventory data to define neighborhoods with aging street tree populations. Additional analysis is
needed to define aging canopy on a neighborhood scale.
Additional analysis of Charlotte’s urban forest – Conduct an i-Tree Eco project analyzing the
urban forest from the ground up to better understand and define critical aging canopy areas.
Incorporate aging tree canopy planting targets into TreesCharlotte – TreesCharlotte is the only
large-scale planting program operating on private property in the City of Charlotte.
Incorporating planting targets directed at neighborhoods with high populations of aging trees
may help sustain tree canopy in these areas.
Moving Forward
Cultivating the Charlotte Urban Forest Legacy will require continued and detail planning.
This a summary of the Charlotte’s Urban Forest Management plan as we move forward.
Continue to hire and retain staff that has a broad spectrum of knowledge and credentials.
Including:
• degrees in Horticulture, Forestry, Architecture,
Engineering , etc..
• ISA Certified Arborist
• North Carolina Landscapers Contract license
• North Carolina pesticide license.
Have a Lidar analysis of the tree canopy completed every three years to be used as a
guidance tool for continued improvement and increases of the canopy percentage. Analysis
should be extensive, providing both public and private canopy information. A team should
be formed to determine informational needs and should meet each year for review of the
uses and possible improvements of the tool. A three year rotation of potential work load
(particularly TreeCharlotte) should be possible based on analysis results.
Continue to provide a high level of design and arboricultural science expertise to the
TreesCharlotte program. Work to expand private canopy information and draw on that
information to facilitate decisions on program extents.
Develop a “Legacy Team” to tell the City of Charlotte Tree Canopy Story.
Review and revise, as needed, program procedures for all planting program.
• TreesCharlotte
• Landscape Management’s Street Tree Program
• CIP Planting Program
• Reforestation
Work with Nurseryman Associations to find the best tree products
available, in order to have a clear understanding of the products and
to discuss and agree on appropriate specifications.
Continue to build a close working relationship with NCDOT.
Develop a program with NCDOT for reforestation of interstate
interchanges.
Continue to develop, Neighborhood Forest, a program concentrating
on planting City owned properties.
Review and revise as needed, on an annual basis, the Landscape
Construction Standards.
Review and Revise as needed, on a biannual basis, the Land
Development Standards and Land Development Plant list.
Have an annual “Charlotte’s Legacy Cultivators” meeting to discuss
tree issues, new plant material, maintenance issue etc.
American Forest Organization
Canker worm photo images
Charlotte’s Historic Landscape Architects, Olmstead Brothers
Disaster Debris Removal and Debris Management Services
Horticopia
Landscape Construction Standards
Land Development Standards
Land Development Standards – Tree Ordinance
Lidar
iTree program
Links to Supporting Documents and Information
Canker Worm Information
Cankerworm photographs are courtesy of forestryimages.org
Clockwise from the top:
A. Steven Munson, USDA Forest Service
USDA Forest Service - Ogden Archives
Joseph Berger, Bugwood.org
G. Keith Douce, University of Georgia
John H. Gent, USDA Forest Service
TreesCharlotte photographs by
Nancy Pierce
John Mahaffy
Additional photographs by
Tim Porter
Cindy Clemens
Chris Trotter
Sarah B. Morris
Photographic Credits
Effort were made to locate the sources of the historic photographs used
with the Forward. The Charlotte Observer, The Charlotte News, The
Charlotte Historic Properties Commission, and others have published these
pictures from time to time. If the City of Charlotte Landscape Management
Division finds the sources of these photographs, credit will be given in
future editions of this publication.
From Wikipedia, the free encyclopedia
Canopy of a forest
In biology, the canopy is the aboveground portion of a plant community or crop, formed by plant
crowns.
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Canopy_(biology)
Heat Island Effect
From Wikipedia, the free encyclopedia
Tokyo, an example of an urban heat island. Normal temperatures of Tokyo go up more than those of
the surrounding area.
An urban heat island (UHI) is a metropolitan area that is significantly warmer than its surrounding
rural areas due to human activities. The phenomenon was first investigated and described by Luke
Howard in the 1810s, although he was not the one to name the phenomenon. The temperature
difference usually is larger at night than during the day, and is most apparent when winds are weak.
Seasonally, UHI is seen during both summer and winter. The main cause of the urban heat island is
modification of the land surface by urban development which uses materials which effectively retain
heat. Waste heat generated by energy usage is a secondary contributor. As a population center
grows, it tends to expand its area and increase its average temperature. The less-used term heat
island refers to any area, populated or not, which is consistently hotter than the surrounding area.
Monthly rainfall is greater downwind of cities, partially due to the UHI. Increases in heat within
urban centers increases the length of growing seasons, and decreases the occurrence of weak
.
tornadoes.
The UHI decreases air quality by increasing the production of pollutants such as ozone,
and decreases water quality as warmer waters flow into area streams, which stresses their
ecosystems.
Not all cities have a distinct urban heat island. Mitigation of the urban heat island effect can be
accomplished through the use of green roofs and the use of lighter-colored surfaces in urban areas,
which reflect more sunlight and absorb less heat.
Despite concerns raised about its possible contribution to global warming, comparisons between
urban and rural areas show that the urban heat island effects have little influence on global mean
temperature trends.
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Urban_heat_island
Horticopia
Plant pictures and data software designed for landscapers, nursery, garden center, education. Plant
labelling and tag software. Horticultural information.
http://www.horticopia.com/
Definitions
Canopy
Animation of a satellite collecting digital elevation map data over the Ganges and Brahmaputra River
basin using lidar.
A FASOR used at the Starfire Optical Range for lidar and laser guide star experiments is tuned to the
sodium D2a line and used to excite sodium atoms in the upper atmosphere.
This lidar may be used to scan buildings, rock formations, etc., to produce a 3D model. The lidar can
aim its laser beam in a wide range: its head rotates horizontally; a mirror tilts vertically. The laser
beam is used to measure the distance to the first object on its path.
Lidar (also written LIDAR or LiDAR) is a remote sensing technology that measures distance by
illuminating a target with a laser and analyzing the reflected light. The term lidar comes from
combining the words light and radar.[1]
Lidar is popularly known as a technology used to make high resolution maps, geomatics,
archaeology, geography, geology, geomorphology, seismology, forestry, remote sensing, atmospheric
physics,[2] airborne laser swath mapping (ALSM), laser altimetry, and contour mapping.
https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Lidar
i-Tree
.What is i-Tree?
i-Tree is a state-of-the-art, peer-reviewed software suite from the USDA Forest Service that provides
urban forestry analysis and benefits assessment tools. The i-Tree Tools help communities of all sizes
to strengthen their urban forest management and advocacy efforts by quantifying the structure of
community trees and the environmental services that trees provide.
Since the initial release of the i-Tree Tools in August 2006, numerous communities, non-profit
organizations, consultants, volunteers and students have used i-Tree to report on individual trees,
parcels, neighborhoods, cities, and even entire states. By understanding the local, tangible
ecosystem services that trees provide, i-Tree users can link urban forest management activities with
environmental quality and community livability. Whether your interest is a single tree or an entire
forest, i-Tree provides baseline data that you can use to demonstrate value and set priorities for
more effective decision-making.
i-Tree Tools are in the public domain and are freely accessible. We invite you to explore this site to
learn more about how i-Tree can make a difference in your community
http://www.itreetools.org/index.php
Definitions
Lidar
From Wikipedia, the free encyclopedia
For the quantum physicist, see Daniel Lidar.
“The creation of a thousand
forests is
in one acorn”
Ralph Waldo Emerson