With more than 10,000 downloads in the U.S., i-Tree calculates the environmental and economic benefits of planting trees.
Based on an analysis by i-Tree, a software program developed by the U.S. Forest Service in partnership with Davey Tree company, street tree coverage in Pittsburgh, Pa. confers $2.4 million in environmental and aesthetic value per year to the city.
I-Tree calculates the carbon sequestration potential of each tree planted and the economic benefits of air pollution reduction. Its next version will also be able to analyze how urban forests affect air temperature, ultraviolet ray penetration and bird habitat.
Using i-Tree, the environmental nonprofit Tree Pittsburgh figured out that the city received $3 in benefits for every dollar it invested in urban forestation. In response, the city developed a new master plan to replenish its canopy, which is at half the recommended coverage now.
I-Tree is designed to be usable by anyone and exists in mobile as well as desktop version.
FULL STORY: That tree in the corner may be worth more than your house
What's a Tree Worth?
The U.S. Forest Service has continued to refine the valuable i-Tree software program, which allows cities to calculate the benefits, in dollar figures, of the urban forest.
Pittsburgh Excels at Low-Cost, Quick-Build Traffic Calming
The city’s traffic calming initiative has led to a 6 percent average reduction in speeds on corridors with recent interventions.
Downtown Pittsburgh Set to Gain 1,300 New Housing Units
Pittsburgh’s office buildings, many of which date back to the early 20th century, are prime candidates for conversion to housing.
Planetizen Federal Action Tracker
A weekly monitor of how Trump’s orders and actions are impacting planners and planning in America.
San Francisco's School District Spent $105M To Build Affordable Housing for Teachers — And That's Just the Beginning
SFUSD joins a growing list of school districts using their land holdings to address housing affordability challenges faced by their own employees.
The Tiny, Adorable $7,000 Car Turning Japan Onto EVs
The single seat Mibot charges from a regular plug as quickly as an iPad, and is about half the price of an average EV.
With Protected Lanes, 460% More People Commute by Bike
For those needing more ammo, more data proving what we already knew is here.
In More Metros Than You’d Think, Suburbs are Now More Expensive Than the City
If you're moving to the burbs to save on square footage, data shows you should think again.
The States Losing Rural Delivery Rooms at an Alarming Pace
In some states, as few as 9% of rural hospitals still deliver babies. As a result, rising pre-term births, no adequate pre-term care and "harrowing" close calls are a growing reality.
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.
Smith Gee Studio
City of Charlotte
City of Camden Redevelopment Agency
City of Astoria
Transportation Research & Education Center (TREC) at Portland State University
US High Speed Rail Association
City of Camden Redevelopment Agency
Municipality of Princeton (NJ)