The lessons shared below come to us thanks to an informative Main Street RI Roundtable titled, Street Trees, the Superheroes of Main Street – PART 1, in August 2024 featuring:
Jim Vandermillen, Director of Planning and Economic Development, City of Central Falls;
Jacq Hall, Special Projects Coordinator, Groundwork RI.
Jacq Hall of Groundwork RI explained that the benefits of street trees extend far beyond their aesthetic value. Trees are essential infrastructure to any urban environment as seen in how they do everything from cleaning our air to reducing heat, promoting mental health, and supporting local wildlife. What’s more is that trees act as “pipes” by absorbing water through their roots and leaves. This natural filtration process helps reduce the volume of stormwater that needs treatment, which of course is a benefit to our environment but also offers long term financial benefits to our communities.
While the environmental benefits of street trees are clear, planting them in commercial districts comes with a unique set of challenges where narrow sidewalks, overhead wires, and dense concrete often leave little room for tree planting. Innovative solutions are out there, such as creating “bump outs”—widened sidewalk areas that provide additional space for tree plantings. Whenever possible, it’s important to work with private property owners to plant trees on their land, further expanding green space in urban environments.
Key to a successful tree planting effort along a commercial corridor is political will, funding, and community buy-in. In Central Falls, the city has secured grants and leveraged partnerships to fund tree planting projects. Public infrastructure programs, such as the Municipal Resilience Program, have enabled the city to integrate green infrastructure and stormwater management into street redesigns.
The survival and health of newly planted trees require adequate watering and pruning. The success of your tree planting program demands consistent attention over time.