TreeVitalize & the Importance of “Tree Cover”

Millions of trees have died or been destroyed over the past 15 years in Southeastern Pennsylvania, many without being replaced. This means the tree cover for the region is significantly low.

The Pennsylvania Department of Conservation and Natural Resources encourages homeowners to plant a tree and to enlist friends and neighbors to plant as well. Every tree planted will contribute to the restoration of the tree canopy.

The Pennsylvania Horticultural Society has joined this cause and invites you to help plant 1,000 trees in the five-county Philadelphia region. Join the efforts of thousands across Southeastern Pennsylvania.

About TreeVitalize
On Arbor Day 2004, Governor Rendell launched TreeVitalize, a partnership to restore tree cover in the five county, Southeastern Pennsylvania region. Led by Pennsylvania Department of Conservation and Natural Resources (DCNR), the partnership brought together leaders from public and private sectors—all levels of government, regional non-profits, institutions, and corporate entities. Partners have pledged to work together to increase tree planting and encourage better tree care. Their commitment affirms that trees have a significant impact on the region’s environment, economy and quality of life.

Goals
TreeVitalize aims to invest $8 million dollars over a four-year period in tree planting projects and education programs. Even at this level, TreeVitalize will not be able to replace the millions of trees lost. The projects and programs must be targeted, strategic and measurable. The partnership has adopted the following overall goals to guide investments and measure accomplishments:

• Plant 20,000 shade trees
  
• Restore 1,000 acres of forest in riparian and source water protection areas
  
• Provide education and training in tree planting and care to 2,000 citizens
  
• Encourage regional collaboration to promote best practices and multi-municipal approaches

Loss of Tree Cover
TreeVitalize is the region’s response to a 2003 study by American Forests (see complete report posted at www.treevitalize.net). Using satellite imagery from 1985 and 2001, researchers estimated 34,000 acres (-8%) of heavy tree cover was lost. Tree cover refers to the percentage of land that is covered or shaded by trees. The loss was observed in urban, suburban and rural areas. Rapidly growing Chester County suffered the highest loss— more than 40,000 acres of heavy tree cover disappeared. Even Philadelphia, which experienced little development during this period, lost 15% of its heaviest tree cover.

How much tree cover should the region have? American Forests recommends metro areas in the northeastern United States aim for 40% tree cover. Tree cover in Southeastern Pennsylvania averages 27%. The county with the highest tree cover is Bucks at 31%. Philadelphia, the densest county by far, has the lowest tree cover in the region (11%). Places with below average tree cover tend to be older cities, boroughs and first-class townships where population density is higher.

Tree cover in riparian areas (the lands next to streams and creeks) is critical to watershed health. Experts agree that forest buffers provide the best protection and the most benefits. Yet the Heritage Conservancy found 29% of the region’s stream miles need forested buffers. Other analysis by DCNR identified over 70,000 park acres within the stream buffer area that have no trees.

Street and park trees are traditionally cared for by local government. National surveys confirm that municipal management of public trees is waning. Between 1980 and 1986 number of municipalities that actively manage trees fell from 50% to 39%. The most recent survey showed over an 8-year period tree budgets shrank 40%, from $4.14 per capita to $2.49 per capita. In Southeast Pennsylvania, only 18 municipalities are designated a “Tree City” by the National Arbor Day Foundation. Penn State believes less than one in five municipalities have a comprehensive program to manage their urban forest.  

Moving to Action
If current trends and practices continue, more trees will be lost and not replaced. That is why DCNR created a partnership to focus on tree cover. DCNR convened partners and experts to help design a partnership that would be both strategic and action-oriented. This collaboration will enable partners to accomplish more together than individually. Initially, investment will be focused on the following actions:

Action   Plant more trees. Target older communities and riparian areas. Use tree planting projects to build community stewardship.

Action   Offer more education and volunteer opportunities to build stewardship in tree planting and care.

Action   Bring municipalities together to discuss, share and learn from each other about best practices for sustaining and increasing tree cover.

Action   Motivate citizens to increase tree cover on their own backyard.

Achievements to Date
as of December, 2006

• 11,526 trees planted regionally
• 2,047 trees planted in Philadelphia neighborhoods
• 1,959  citizens educated in tree-care classes
• 179 acres of riparian buffer restored