Many existing and new urban areas lack standardized approaches to adding, or requiring shade trees as part of an overall sustainability strategy. Standards provide a predictable tool to communicate with the public and devlopers about expectations for urban tree canopies.
The proportion of community landscapes that are occupied by trees, or covered by tree canopy is one direct measure of the potential for urban forest to provide cooling and (limited) habitat needs.
Evaluate distribution of tree canopy in urban areas to maximize benefits. The percent of tree canopy cover in urban areas is one direct measure of the potential for urban forest to provide cooling and habitat needs, as well as other benefits (e.g. carbon storage, storm water interception, energy benefits, air pollution reduction).
