How to Increase the Urban Canopy in Cities

Former University of Hawaii professor Tom Dinell makes a case for the need for more trees in Honolulu, with recommendations that can be applied in other cities as well.

2 minute read

October 13, 2020, 11:00 AM PDT

By Clement Lau


Honolulu

Actogram / Shutterstock

Even a tropical paradise like Honolulu has to expand its urban forest. In this commentary, Tom Dinell argues that Honolulu needs more trees now to combat rising temperatures in urban areas. 

Dinell summarizes the well-documented benefits of trees as follows: "They provide shade; they cool the air via evapotranspiration; they absorb carbon dioxide; they reduce pollutants; they replenish the aquifer; they reduce storm runoff; they increase property values and reduce home air conditioning costs; they provide a home for birds and other wildlife; they improve the environment for learning, for medical recuperation, and for traffic safety; they improve psychological well-being; and besides all that they beautify the city, soften the impact of concrete, and provide visual happiness."

Dinell then explains what is needed to drastically increase the number of trees in Honolulu's streets, parks, commercial areas, schools, and homes. Specifically, the city needs:

  1. A citizenry that wants and demands trees, here, there and everywhere. Elected leaders, civil servants, commercial property owners, developers, and all residents are going to have to want trees and want them now.
  2. Public and private investment in trees up front. Studies demonstrate that there is a three to four dollar payoff for every dollar invested in trees.
  3. Increased capacity at nurseries, ensuring that they are well-financed to supply the stock and type of saplings that are needed. There is a great variety of trees that can contribute to Honolulu’s urban canopy.
  4. Professional guidance of trained and talented arborists and landscape architects to know which tree to plant where and make sure that the tree receives the right kind of loving care as it grows into maturity.
  5. Reassurance to the naysayers who complain that they have to rake up leaves or trees block their view (they don’t if they are properly located) or trees will interfere with their photovoltaic complex (again it is a matter of proper placement).

Dinell is the founder and president emeritus of Trees for Honolulu’s Future and emeritus professor of Urban and Regional Planning at the University of Hawaii Manoa.

Friday, October 9, 2020 in Honolulu Civil Beat

courses user

As someone new to the planning field, Planetizen has been the perfect host guiding me into planning and our complex modern challenges. Corey D, Transportation Planner

As someone new to the planning field, Planetizen has been the perfect host guiding me into planning and our complex modern challenges.

Corey D, Transportation Planner

Ready to give your planning career a boost?

View of dense apartment buildings on Seattle waterfront with high-rise buildings in background.

Seattle Legalizes Co-Living

A new state law requires all Washington cities to allow co-living facilities in areas zoned for multifamily housing.

December 1, 2024 - Smart Cities Dive

Times Square in New York City empty during the Covid-19 pandemic.

NYC Officials Announce Broadway Pedestrianization Project

Two blocks of the marquee street will become mostly car-free public spaces.

December 1, 2024 - StreetsBlog NYC

'Vertical canyon' on glass-clad residential high-rise in Denver, CO.

Denver's New High-Rise Integrates Vertical Canyon in Architectural Design

Unlike other new builds in Denver, Colorado, a new high-rise reveals a unique “sculptural canyon” running vertically through the facade to foster a sense of community and connection to nature.  

November 29, 2024 - designboom

Aerial view of small town of Sparta, Wisconsin.

Opinion: Federal Government Must Continue Supporting Rural Housing Program

The incoming Congress will have a say in bolstering — or harming — the only federal housing program focused on affordable housing in rural areas.

2 hours ago - The Daily Yonder

Chicago sidewalk with brick homes in winter.

Chicago Budget Fails to Include Snow Plowing Program

Disability rights advocates say the “Plow the Sidewalks” program is a necessity for Chicagoans with limited mobility in winter months.

4 hours ago - Block Club Chicago

Close-up of yellow Pacers Bikeshare e-bike parked outdoors with blurred people in background.

Indy Bike Share Sees Sharp Growth Thanks to Free Pass Program

A new fleet of e-bikes and free access for Marion County residents are getting more people on bikes.

6 hours ago - Pacers Bikeshare

Urban Design for Planners 1: Software Tools

This six-course series explores essential urban design concepts using open source software and equips planners with the tools they need to participate fully in the urban design process.

Planning for Universal Design

Learn the tools for implementing Universal Design in planning regulations.