City plans aggressive tree planting to combat urban canopy loss

During a recent government meeting in Virginia Beach, officials discussed the city's ongoing efforts to manage and enhance its urban tree canopy, highlighting both successes and challenges. The meeting began with Michael, a city representative, praising the dedicated staff and robust data available for tracking tree canopy health. However, he noted that despite these assets, the rate of tree loss currently outpaces new growth.

Frank Fentress, another city official, emphasized the importance of trees in combating issues related to sea level rise and flooding, linking the urban forest management plan to broader environmental strategies. The plan, originally adopted in 2014, is set for an update, with a goal to increase the tree canopy from 40.3% to 45% by 2045. This adjustment reflects a 1.4% loss in canopy over the past six years, equating to approximately 220,000 trees.

Brooke Costanza, the city arborist, presented data showing that the urban tree canopy's economic benefits amount to $446 million annually, primarily through stormwater management and increased property values. She outlined strategies for achieving the updated canopy goal, including ongoing tree inventories, reforestation efforts, and educational programs in collaboration with local schools.

The council members expressed concerns about the significant tree loss, particularly in residential areas, which accounted for 78% of the total loss. Discussions included the need for better incentives for homeowners to preserve trees and the potential for new legislation to enhance tree protection on private properties.

Fentress also mentioned the city's proactive measures, such as requiring the replacement of any city trees removed for development and the establishment of a dedicated tree mitigation fund, which has accumulated over $1.5 million from various sources, including Dominion Energy.

The meeting concluded with a call for community engagement and collaboration with nonprofits to promote tree planting on private properties, recognizing that a significant portion of tree loss occurs outside city control. The council is set to vote on the updated urban forest management plan, which aims to balance development needs with environmental sustainability.