Phoenix Planning for a New Approach to its Urban Forest

A city famous for tall palm trees wants to find some shade.

1 minute read

July 28, 2016, 6:00 AM PDT

William Yardley reports on an ongoing planning effort in Phoenix to cultivate a tree canopy that would cover 25 percent of the city by 2030. Currently the city's canopy covers less than half that amount.

"Yet with a new emphasis on downtown development and walkable neighborhoods, as well as increasing concerns about heat on human health (forecasts show that climate change will make things even hotter here), Phoenix is actively seeking more shade," writes Yardley.

The article focuses on the work and ideas of Richard Adkins , who is leading the planning effort with the support of the city. Adkins's methodology "uses a formula developed by the United States Forest Service and arborist groups that factors in how much carbon a tree stores, how much electricity it saves, how much it reduces stormwater and the aesthetic value it offers."

FULL STORY: In Phoenix, an ambitious plan aims to cover 25% of the metropolis with tree shade

Tuesday, July 26, 2016 in Los Angeles Times

Environment Landscape Architecture Arizona Phoenix Palm Trees Urban Forest Tree Study Planning View More

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