Trees are vanishing from the San Jose, California cityscape. The city has a plan to reverse the damage, but significant challenges stand in the way of progress.
Maggie Angst reports for The Mercury News on the declining state of the San Jose's tree canopy. Between 2008 and 2012, the city lost 1.8% of its trees.
"That percentage may seem small, but consider that it represents 1,728 acres of public and backyard trees, or the equivalent of 2.7 square miles, according to a recent analysis by the U.S. Forest Service," according to Angst.
With the loss, San Jose lags significantly behind other cities in the percentage of its city covered by shade, with only 13.5%. By comparison, 28% of Seattle is covered by trees, 27% of Boston, and 40% of Pittsburgh, according to numbers reported in the source article.
The city cannot lay blame for the decline of the city's tree canopy, according to San Jose City Arborist Russell Hansen, who is cited in the source article. "[P]otential explanations run the gamut from climate change to drought to removal for property development to poor maintenance to insufficient planting."
The dire statistics about the state of San Jose's tree canopy is reported in context of a new "Community Forest Management Plan" released by the city recently.
The source article, linked below, provides more details on the specific challenges addressed by the plan.
FULL STORY: Why are San Jose’s trees disappearing? City loses hundreds of acres each year
Updating LA’s Tree Rules Could Bring More Shade to Underserved Neighborhoods
A new USC study finds that relaxing Los Angeles’ outdated tree planting guidelines could significantly expand urban tree canopy and reduce shade disparities in lower-income neighborhoods, though infrastructure investments are also needed.
LA’s Trees Absorb More Carbon Than Expected, But Can’t Do It Alone
A USC study finds that Los Angeles’ urban trees absorb more carbon than expected, but while they provide crucial environmental benefits, they cannot replace the urgent need for systemic emissions reductions.
Improving South Los Angeles Through Strategic Tree Planting
The University of Southern California Urban Trees Initiative is planting 250 trees in South L.A. neighborhoods to improve shade, combat climate change, and enhance community well-being through collaboration and data-driven approaches.
Maui's Vacation Rental Debate Turns Ugly
Verbal attacks, misinformation campaigns and fistfights plague a high-stakes debate to convert thousands of vacation rentals into long-term housing.
Planetizen Federal Action Tracker
A weekly monitor of how Trump’s orders and actions are impacting planners and planning in America.
In Urban Planning, AI Prompting Could be the New Design Thinking
Creativity has long been key to great urban design. What if we see AI as our new creative partner?
King County Supportive Housing Program Offers Hope for Unhoused Residents
The county is taking a ‘Housing First’ approach that prioritizes getting people into housing, then offering wraparound supportive services.
Researchers Use AI to Get Clearer Picture of US Housing
Analysts are using artificial intelligence to supercharge their research by allowing them to comb through data faster. Though these AI tools can be error prone, they save time and housing researchers are optimistic about the future.
Making Shared Micromobility More Inclusive
Cities and shared mobility system operators can do more to include people with disabilities in planning and operations, per a new report.
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.
planning NEXT
Appalachian Highlands Housing Partners
Mpact (founded as Rail~Volution)
City of Camden Redevelopment Agency
City of Astoria
City of Portland
City of Laramie