Norwalk committee outlines master tree plan targets, schedules Arbor Day event and river-trail tree work

Norwalk City staff presented a draft master tree plan and workshop feedback and described a set of near-term actions intended to raise the city's tree canopy. The plan, discussed at the committee meeting, sets a target to increase canopy from about 43% to 53% and estimates the city would need to plant roughly 1,100 trees per year to meet that goal.

"I think we need to plant about 1,100 trees per year in order to meet our goal," said Sarah, a staff member who led the presentation. She told the committee the draft plan was completed in January and workshops last week included city departments, external stakeholders and a public evening session that drew more than 20 attendees.

The plan is based on recent aerial and LiDAR analysis and incorporates assumptions about species mix, tree sizes and expected attrition. Sarah said the consultant used a 2021 LiDAR assessment and that the plan assumes a mix of sizes and an expected annual turnover rather than a simple net increase. Committee members noted the city currently plants about 400 to 500 trees per year.

Why it matters: increasing canopy can affect stormwater, heat-island effects and neighborhood character; the committee is planning to submit the draft to the Common Council for consideration. Staff asked the committee and public to submit additional comments by the end…