Defining ‘adequate’ tree protection: Meeting urban canopy targets requires careful retention of mature trees

Abstract

Canopy cover is increasingly recognised as an important aspect of the urban landscape, and as a result urban forestry plans have been adopted in many cities globally. These are often built around ambitious canopy cover targets, with a goal to keep cities cool and improve their amenity while delivering co-benefits like health improvements, flood reduction and enhanced biodiversity. Canopy targets and tree planting have tended to receive more attention than another critical determinant of canopy expansion: keeping the trees alive once they are planted. In this study, we use a model to examine how varying tree removal rates influences the long-term canopy cover provided by street trees, conside..