Austin Tree Programs Focus on Reducing Urban Heat Island Effects
Austin has three special tree programs
aimed at cooling our heat island and creating precious shade
for our sunny city. Funded through the Urban
Heat Island Initiative, Neighborwoods, Austin Community
Trees, and Large Trees for City Streetscapes work to strategically
plant trees around Austin.
NeighborWoods
NeighborWoods' mission is to create shady areas along residential streets and sidewalks in the Austin Energy service area by providing approximately 4,000 trees a year to homeowners during the planting season. The program is currently administered by TreeFolks, a local, non-profit organization whose mission is to grow the urban forest through tree planting, education, and community partnerships.
TreeFolks performs site visits in residential areas, identifying suitable locations in the City’s right-of-way. Five-gallon trees and planting instructions are offered to homeowners of these suitable locations, if they agree to water and maintain the trees. TreeFolks follows up with watering reminder cards for the first year.
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Austin Community Trees
The goal of Austin Community Trees (ACT) is to plant trees near streets and sidewalks, potentially cooling daytime temperatures in neighborhoods by up to 4º. ACT is a program of the Neighborhood Planning & Zoning Department, with support and funding from Austin Energy. ACT offers between 8 and 10 different species of large shade and small understory trees. All trees are planted in the front yard out of the right-of-way, or the side yard if the property is located on a corner. The program encourages biodiversity by using a varied tree palette, and stresses the importance of planting the right tree in the right place. ACT has planted 800 trees over the past three years.
Large Trees for City Streetscapes
The Large Tree program was created in 2004 and provides 5-inch caliper trees to shade City right of ways and sidewalks in commercial areas and public spaces. This program can provide approximately 200 trees per year.
Trees provided so far:
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44 trees of various species at the new City Hall |
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37 White Oaks in the sidewalk at the School for the Deaf |
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138 trees of various species at the new Mueller Center |
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40 mixed Redbuds and Live Oaks in Zilker Park, along the trail |
Resources
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