The Push for 40%
Why Columbus Needs Homeowners, Landlords, and Rental Property Owners to Plant More Trees
Financial Benefits of Trees for Property Value
Columbus Urban Forestry Master Plan
Logistics of Planting Trees
Native Ohioan Trees and Shrubs
Extra Information
Together, we can
make a difference.
Financial Benefits of Trees on a Property
Northern red oak (Quercius rubra)
- Mature, large, and healthy trees increase property value anywhere from 3-15% (Arbor Day Foundation)
- Tree shade reduces the amount of degradation external features (exterior paint) of a property face, and increases their lifespan
- Tree shade helps increase the lifespan of the air conditioning systems
- Properties with trees reduce the urban heat island effect, making summers more tolerable
- Trees take in a considerable amount of storm water, up to 100 gallons each, which helps maintain the quality of water infrastructure and sewage systems, even aging ones
David Stephens, Bugwood.org
The Columbus Urban Forestry Master Plan
Created in Spring 2021 by the Columbus Parks and Rec Department, the Columbus Urban Forestry Master Plan is a vision for the future. The goal of the city is to have a 40% tree cover by 2050 in order to reduce its urban heat island effect, achieve environmental justice objectives, adapt to climate change, and more. However, in order to achieve this goal, Columbus needs to nearly double its tree canopy in less than 30 years. The city of Columbus owns only 30% of the city; Columbus has the authority to plant trees only on public land. Homeowners, landlords, and rental companies own the other 70%. Trees need to be planted and maintained on private property as well in the coming years. The investment in the health and well-being of Columbus is a group effort, but the rewards will be more than worth it for coming generations.
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Ohio Buckeye (Aesculus glabra)
Richard Webb, Bugwood.org
Some Logistics of Tree Planting
What type of soil am I planting my tree in? | In order to set your tree up for success, you need to figure out the pH and soil type that you have. Trees which are planted in unsuitable environments are more susceptible to disease and fragility. Find out more about your soil by testing it to see its percentage of sand, clay, and loam. |
Where can I find a suitable tree? | In Columbus, there are many places you can go to get a native tree! FLOW, Friends of the Lower Olentangy Watershed, gives out trees every year for their autumn giveaway. Green Columbus does a tree giveaway every year as well. Furthermore, you can request the city of Columbus to plant a tree on your property by using the 311 line! If you want to buy a tree, you can go to any local nursery and find a suitable one as well. However, make sure that your tree is native before you plant it! |
How to plant a tree: |
Native Ohio Trees and Shrubs
Planting a native tree has never been easier! Look at the spreadsheet linked here to find an array of shrubs and trees to plant. The trees and shrubs are categorized from the smallest mature height to the largest. The spreadsheet includes information about the preferred soil and water of each plant, as well as their growth rate. From the American elm to the Flowering dogwood, there is no shortage of beautiful trees to plant for our city!
American elm (Ulmus americana)
Flowering dogwood (Cornus florida)
Cathy Cochran, Oak Hill Plantation llc, Bugwood.org
T. Davis Sydnor, The Ohio State University, Bugwood.org
Extra information
- Remember to check in with your utility company before planting a tree!
- If you need help with tree maintenance, or if you need to remove a diseased tree, call a professional arborist
- Encourage your friends and family to plant native trees too. Volunteer for organizations like FLOW who are doing amazing work in Columbus!
Shagbark hickory (Carya ovata)
T. Davis Sydnor, The Ohio State University, Bugwood.org
Additional References
Benefits of Trees. (n.d.). Tree Pittsburgh. https://www.treepittsburgh.org/resource/benefits-of-
trees/#:~:text=Economic%20Benefits%20of%20Trees
Energy Conservation & Tree Planting: Tips for Renters – Trees for Energy Conservation.
(n.d.). Trees-Energy-Conservation.extension.org. Retrieved April 16, 2024, from
https://trees-energy-conservation.extension.org/energy-conservation-tree-planting-tips-
for-renters/
FLOW | Friends of the Lower Olentangy Watershed. (n.d.).
www.olentangywatershed.org. Retrieved April 16, 2024, from
https://www.olentangywatershed.org/
Forestry Images: Forest Health, Natural Resources, Fire, Trees, Wildlife,
Silviculture Photos. (n.d.). Www.forestryimages.org. Retrieved April 16, 2024, from
https://www.forestryimages.org/index.cfm
Learn about Soil Types. (n.d.). National Environmental Satellite, Data, and
Information Service.
https://www.nesdis.noaa.gov/learn-about-soil-types
Riverside Native Trees and Nursery, LLC. (n.d.). Retrieved April 16, 2024, from
https://riversidenativetrees.com/
The Morton Arboretum | To plant and protect trees for a greener, healthier, and
more
beautiful world. (n.d.). The Morton Arboretum. https://mortonarb.org/
Thompson, E. (2021). Final Report The Economic Footprint and Quality-of-Life Benefits of
Urban Forestry in the United States Prepared for the Arbor Day Foundation.
https://www.arborday.org/urban-forestry-economic/downloads/complete-report-
findings.pdf