RAISE . PLANT . GROW

Help Grow Troy’s Urban Tree Canopy

Help Us Plant New Trees Downtown!

Each year we plant approximately 10 trees downtown. With the assistance of Constable Tree Service we remove old tree stumps, prep the ground for planting, plant, water, and maintain these trees!

Tree Program Image.jpg

RAISE

Did you know that each new tree costs about $500?

That’s where you come in! As we grow our urban tree canopy, you can help us plant even more!!

PLANT

Each spring we plan approximately 10 trees downtown. If the weather is cooperative we will plan another 10 in the fall!

GROW

Our beautification staff maintain the trees with regular watering and a watchful eye so our trees can live long healthy lives!

WHY TREES?

The stormwater treatment benefits of green infrastructure are well-known, but there are lesser-known secondary benefits that are arguably equally important. Did you know that green infrastructure, when thoughtfully designed, has been shown to: 

  • Result in a reduction in crime rates

  • Improve cognitive function

  • Reduce aggression

  • Reduce possession of narcotics in nearby areas

  • Reduce symptoms of ADD in children

  • Reduce rate of mortality

So let’s dive a little deeper 

In Philly, a city embracing green infrastructure, an 18-27% reduction in the possession of narcotics was noted within a half a mile of green infrastructure projects installed between 2000 and 2012. Results like this have been demonstrated time and time again in other controlled studies. 

According to a study, and subsequent report, developed by the NRDC in 2013, Green infrastructure, such as trees, has also been proven to have a positive effect on bottom line. This has been illustrated in examples throughout the Country in the form of higher rents, an increase in retail business sales, and reduced crime (provided proper design). Their study also asserts the following:

  • Increased rents and property values. The use of trees and vegetation for single-family homes can increase property values up to as much as 7 percent. NRDC asserts that landscaping could add 7 percent to the average office rental rate.

  • Increased retail sales. Research has shown that not only are shoppers willing to spend more on products, drive farther to shop, and visit more often those locations that have green streets, but a mature tree canopy could also potentially translate into a consumer's willingness to pay 8 to 12 percent more for goods.

  • Energy savings. Trees act as wind buffers, and provide shade, and have been proven to provide savings in energy.

  • Increased mental health and worker productivity for office employees. The authors of the report write: ”Office workers have a clear preference for nature near the workplace, leading to improved health and job satisfaction, and reduced levels of stress.” Findings make it clear that just having trees around the building and parking areas can result in this finding.

  • Traffic calming. The presence of trees along roadsides has an interesting effect on drivers, in that typically they drive more slowly and with greater caution than they would on streets without tree plantings. While tree canopies don’t actually reduce road width, there is the perception that the road feels narrower than it actually does. In turn, along with other factors, this can result in slower driving speeds.

  • Reduced crime. The theory of crime prevention through environmental design believes that "social monitoring of public spaces ... and quality landscape can encourage more public use of city spaces," and crime reduction is vegetation such as open space with grass and tall trees, according to the authors. While they admit that shrubs and bushes can aid those up to no good by providing hiding spaces, creating areas that promote and encourage gathering do the opposite, reducing crime.

With all these benefits on the bottom line, there are things we can do in the City that will be minimally invasive while providing the benefits just described. Encouraging and supporting the planting or street trees, sidewalk gardens, and planters are a few ways we can help to ensure these positive impacts are realized in Troy.

Sources:
http://www.nrs.fs.fed.us/news/release/green-stormwater-infrastructure-reduced-narcotics 
https://www.nrdc.org/sites/default/files/commercial-value-green-infrastructure-report.pdf