Giving away trees is just one part of TreeBaltimore?s plan to double the canopy, or the ground shaded in Baltimore by leaves and branches, within the next 30 years.
TreeBaltimore Coordinator and former Park Planner Myra Brosius said the majority of land available for planting in Baltimore City is private property, and she is working to reach landowners with incentives and information on the benefits of planting trees.
We know trees are good for the environment, but most of us don?t know specifically how trees are beneficial.
They provide shade to mitigate our temperatures ? which can be equated to dollars saved in energy used for cooling. They clean our air and water, increase property values, provide wildlife habitat and limit air pollution.
What data was used to determine TreeBaltimore?s goals?
Analysis performed by the Maryland Department of Natural Resources and the USDA Forest Service measured Baltimore?s existing tree canopy through remote sensing data from satellites, and found that Baltimore?s canopy is currently 20 percent, and determined 50 percent as the possible tree canopy. Using this information, the city adopted a 40 percent goal in 30 years.
Why within 30 years?
It takes 20 years for a tree to mature. We?re not planting all the trees right now, so we have to allow time to promote the program, plant trees and allow the canopy to develop.
Is financial help available for people who want to plant a tree?
On the Web [at baltimorecountymd.gov/agencies/environment/growinghome], you can get a coupon for a $10 discount on a tree that virtually all of the local nurseries in Baltimore City and Baltimore County honor.
