Shoreline's Tree Canopy - Why It Matters

Shoreline's Council, Planning Commission and Staff are looking for direction on why the Tree Canopy matters and how it will affect us in the present and future. 

They need to consider carefully the future of this crucial element of the city's infrastructure.  

How will the City address its obligations for confronting stormwater and flooding problems, carbon footprint, economic viability, city pride, air and water quality and it's own image?

Lake Forest Park, Edmonds and other surrounding cities have Tree Ordinances. Lake Forest Park has a canopy goal of 40%. Seattle's goal is 30%. The question for Shoreline is ;can't Shoreline do better than Seattle?

The City commissioned a Tree Canopy Survey in the last year and it found that the size of our canopy has NOT improved and the amount of impervious surface has increased to 46%. Here is the survey link:

http://cosweb.ci.shoreline.wa.us/uploads/attachments/cck/Council/Staffreports/2011/staffreport041811-7a.pdf

It matters for so many reasons. Here are just a few of them.

• Many of the largest trees are what is being cut throughout the city

• Economic Value for the overall community, including improvements to shopping districts.

• Canopy survey showed the value for stormwater detention of existing canopy to be at least $900,000 per/yr to the City Budget.

• Puget Sound and other water bodies are suffering greatly from the impacts of stormwater runoff. Retaining and increasing Tree canopy, especially the evergreens, is a very cost effective way to improve water quality. The City has an obligation to address this problem.

• Trees are a proven way to also meet our “carbon sequestration goals” to address climate change.

• Trees, especially conifers are a guaranteed way to improve air quality in our increasingly urban environment.

• Shade in the summer, is often at a premium here when afternoon temperatures can be debilitating to people of all ages, but especially the elderly.

• Shading of impervious surfaces can decrease the “heat island effect” of an urban area.

• The survey showed there is still quite a bit of available area to plant trees in the single family zones and parks, even allowing for space for sports and recreation.

• Tree City USA is a very attainable goal for Shoreline and would be a benefit to the entire community, bring pride and grant funding which could be used for education on trees, and help for tree planting programs.

• Trees are obviously valuable for wildlife habitat.

• Trees are in our City logo.

• Trees make our City more attractive and improve the general well being of citizens.