As part of an ongoing partnership with Downtown Grand Rapids, Inc. (DGRI) and the Downtown Development Authority (DDA), Friends of Grand Rapids Parks is pleased to extend our work planting trees in downtown for two more years.
Over the next two years, we will plant, water, and maintain an additional 100 trees in the downtown district. This project will also include an updated tree GIS inventory, assessment, and urban forestry management plan. This project is generously supported by a $111,000 investment from DGRI.
Investment in Grand Rapids’ Tree Canopy Pays Off
We’re proud to be part of a long-term commitment to increase the tree canopy in downtown Grand Rapids. Over the last 10 years, a strategic investment in the downtown district tree canopy has increased the canopy from 5% cover to 10%—a percentage that’s on par for a developed downtown district. This effort was a combination of financial commitment from the DDA and DGRI; and work by Friends of Grand Rapids Parks, volunteers, and other DGRI partners. As a result, the City met their initial goal of 10% canopy cover in 2024!
Ongoing tree planting and maintenance is a critical part of maintaining that 10% cover (as well as expanding it in the future). Of the street trees that Friends of Grand Rapids Parks plants and maintains, 80%—well above the average street tree mortality rate—survive a harsh environment with a variety of stressors. As with any plant, some attrition is normal; our goal is always to get urban trees to thriving maturity through proper tree maintenance.
Ongoing Maintenance Is Critical to the Downtown Tree Canopy
There are a number of steps we take to ensure trees remain healthy, survive to maturity, and fit within the urban environment.
GIS Tree Inventory
As part of our ongoing work with DGRI, we’ll conduct an updated GIS survey and inventory of all the trees in the downtown district. An updated GIS inventory will give us the information about what tree is where and what care it needs.
Regular Watering
Young trees require regular watering, especially in hot environments like downtown areas that are heavily paved. Our team of skilled watering technicians make sure each tree has proper hydration as it’s getting established.
Strategic Pruning
We typically prune trees three to five years after planting. Strategic pruning at this age ensures trees remain healthy and fit within the urban environment. Preemptive pruning also prevents future danger and loss, such as branches falling and hurting people or property, or breaking in a way that requires the tree to be removed.
One of the many reasons DGRI has been a fantastic partner is because they understand the need for tree maintenance and are willing to invest in all the steps it takes to achieve healthy, long-term canopy goals. They also value our mission and how we work with the community. This shared vision makes for an incredible partnership!
Why Do Trees Matter Downtown?
Trees offer a wealth of benefits to downtown districts in particular. In terms of the environment, urban street trees:
- Reduce air pollution
- Sequester carbon
- Reduce stormwater runoff
- Lower the ambient temperature
- Reduce the heat island effect
There’s an economic benefit to street trees as well. People spend more time and money on streets that are tree-lined! If you want to increase economic activity on a given street, plant a tree (or two or three).
Trees are one of the best investments for a downtown district. We couldn’t be more proud to contribute to the long term health and wellbeing of the city we call home.
Build a Strong, Green Community with Friends of Grand Rapids Parks
To learn more about supporting our tree-planing initiatives, please visit our programs page for more information. Or, to volunteer, attend a class, or get involved in other Friends of Grand Rapids Parks initiatives, explore our events page to learn more.
