To revitalize its urban canopy, the City of Akron is ready to plant new roots, quite literally. Mayor Shammas Malik is championing an initiative to see 1,800 trees planted through the city's streets in 2025. Residents will be alerted via mail if they're selected to green their tree lawns, and they will have the opportunity to discuss the plan with the Akron Tree Commission. "The investments made into our tree canopy will increase in value over time, both in terms of financial value and benefits provided to our community," Malik noted in a statement obtained by the City of Akron.
The scheme, costing a notable $750,000, is not just about aesthetics. It's a deliberate step towards a greater sustainability goal, offering residents many health advantages and countering the heat island effect prevalent in urban areas. Malik adds, "A healthier urban forest is linked to improved health outcomes for residents—including lower rates of respiratory disease, improved birth outcomes, and other physical and psychological benefits." According to the City of Akron. Yet, the depth of the city's commitment to its canopy extends beyond words, evidenced by the hiring of not one but three certified arborists to oversee the city's leafy charges.
The areas in Akron's South and Southwest are particularly targeted for this tree planting initiative, bearing the most concerning defoliation. And it is no small matter; the urban tree canopy is a formidable ally, grappling with pollutants, sequestering carbon, and significantly reducing stormwater flow into the already burdened sewer systems. In 2018 alone, Akron's trees scrubbed an estimated 1.2 million pounds of pollutants from the skies and absorbed 70,113 tons of life-squandering carbon, as they concurrently abetted in managing over 255 million gallons of stormwater.
Akron's current urban tree canopy stands at a commendable 34.85%, a lush umbrella casting its protective resurgence across the city. Yet, there is a silent assailant in their midst, as the city has witnessed a creeping canopy loss over time. The city's arboreal frontline will be fortified with native species like Northern Red Oak, Serviceberry, and Sugar Maple. Citizens yearning for greener streets can contribute to this verdant uprising. Requests for a street tree can be directed to the city's 311 service - accessible via a call, online platform, or the dedicated Akron311 app.
