CHARLOTTE, N.C. — QUESTION: Does Charlotte have one of the best tree canopies compared to other cities?
ANSWER: Yes, currently, Charlotte's tree canopy is at 45%, higher than other cities.
SOURCES:
WHAT WE FOUND:
In 2013 American Forests conducted a list of the 10 best cities for urban forests. Charlotte was among the 10, including Austin, Denver, New York, and Portland.
A recent analysis looked at Charlottes tree canopy change from 2021 to 2018 and found Charlotte's tree canopy is at 45%.
"Traditionally, the upper 40s is the cream of the crop. It's the gold star for a major American city," said Porter.
However, there has been some decline in the last 15 years, from 49% to 45%.
"What we found is that development is playing a large role the types of development impacting, the greatest area of canopy decline was in single-family areas but not subdivision related," said Porter.
However, Treepedia New York has 14% tree canopy, Tampa 36%, and Boston 18%.
The tree canopy action plan part of the 2040 comprehensive plan hopes to revise Charlotte's tree ordinance and implement preservation and planting requirements.
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Contact Meghan Bragg at mbragg@wcnc.com and follow her on Facebook, Twitter and Instagram.