Sustainability Plan Target: Increase tree canopy to 18% or more of the Longmont Planning Area covered by regionally appropriate tree canopy or vegetation.
Forestry Services is taking the approach of preserving the existing tree canopy by planting future climate adapted trees, treating ash trees to protect them from the invasive insect, emerald ash borer; and only planting trees in areas that are irrigated and support long-term tree health and survival. However, Forestry Services maintains trees on less than 5% of the total land area of Longmont. The majority of increases in tree canopy will come from private development that requires significant tree planting. Forestry Services supports private property tree canopy growth by hosting the annual Spirit of Arbor Day Tree Sale, and subsidizing the cost of the trees by 40-50%.
Updates to the citywide tree canopy will occur on a seven to ten year cycle, as the budget supports this data collection.