Trees all over our area fell as Tropical Storm Debby passed through, which is common when the ground gets saturated. But it’s hurting the city’s tree canopy.
CHARLOTTE, N.C. — As Charlotte tries to keep its tree canopy growing, downed trees from storms can set arborists back a bit.
“I feel like the weather definitely dictates whether the trees have the strength and longevity to actually make it through, like storms,” Nathan Morrison, an arborist with Savatree Charlotte, said. “Trees that have rotten roots, some of these big, larger oaks, it’s unfortunate, but I mean, generally, after every single storm, you’re going to see one of these trees fail. And it’s just the nature of life here in Charlotte.”
Currently, about 47% of Charlotte’s land is covered by trees. The goal by city leaders and tree enthusiasts is to have 50% of the Queen City covered. However, due to rapid development, old age, and a changing environment, Charlotte’s tree canopy could plummet to 40% by 2050.
But there’s work being done to make sure that doesn’t happen.
Charlotte’s tree ordinance plays a vital role in protecting and growing the canopy. First adopted in 1978, the ordinance sets requirements for saving and planting trees on public and private property impacted by development.
Earlier this year, Charlotte Planning, Design & Development launched Canopy, a platform designed to explore, plan and enrich Charlotte’s tree canopy.
The city’s tree management program says it monitors and maintains more than 200,000 trees along city streets and on city properties. It also plants an average of 800 trees every year.
This work is also something nonprofit, TreesCharlotte supports, planting about 5,600 trees a year.
“Trees are just truly miracles of nature and it’s just such a gift to be a part of adding them to our wonderful canopy,” said TreesCharlotte executive dirctor, Jane Singleton Myers.
Myers said trees have more benefits than you probably even think about. “They provide cooler temperatures, they provide cleaner air, they absorb stormwater runoff but they also do some cool things. they help with mental health, physical health as well as reduce crime in certain neighborhoods as well.”
So what can you do to help?
Morrison, said it’s as simple as “if you see something, say something.”
“As a homeowner, it would be good to go out and visually inspector trees yourself. And then if you have a question about something that you see, if you see sawdust at the base of a tree or mushroom growing at the base of a tree, it’s a good idea to call an arborist out, certified arborist, to come out and look at the trees and assess whether or not you have any issues. Because it’s something that, as a homeowner, you may not realize is really a problem, until you actually have a have a problem.
In the end, it’s all about helping the Queen City keep its regal appearance.
WCNC Charlotte is selling “I’m A Fanovich” T-shirts to benefit TreesCharlotte, a nonprofit Brad is extremely passionate about. With all of the proceeds of the T-shirt sale going to TreesCharlotte, you can help improve the city’s tree canopy.
You’re also able to donate directly to TreesCharlotte.
Order your Fanovich T-shirt here. You can choose between five different colors and sizes range from X-Small to 4X-Large. The T-shirts are unisex. The T-shirts are shipped directly to you, so you can start sporting your favorite meteorologist as soon as you get it.
Contact Brad Panovich at bpanovich@wcnc.com or follow him on Facebook, X and Instagram.
WCNC Charlotte’s Weather IQ YouTube channel gives detailed explainers from the WCNC Weather Impact Team meteorologists to help you learn and understand weather, climate and science. Watch previous stories where you can raise your Weather IQ in the YouTube playlist below and subscribe to get updated when new videos are uploaded.
