We all know that trees are essential to the health of our community and along with recommendation of Akron‘s Tree Commission, City Council is looking to restore Akron‘s shrinking tree canopy. Since 2016, Akron has had a master tree planting plan and the next step was taken two weeks ago as we passed legislation for a smart tree inventory throughout our city. This will be the first smart tree inventory in the state of Ohio and is completely digitize the current tree inventory without future physical inspection by city personnel. As part of our federally-mandated sewer consent decree, Akron has pledged to plant two new trees for every tree we remove.
The last tree inventory was completed in 1996 (with paper and pen) and Akron’s urban tree canopy is at 34.85%, with is considered healthy compared to cities of similar size. But between 2011 and 2018, we have lost 1.93% of out canopy to due sewer projects, development and private residential tree loss. Akron will be working with the Davey Resource Group who utilizes smart vehicles, similar to the ones used by Google to drive every street, to take photos and document every tree. This will allow us to identify priority areas when it comes to replanting. As we add new trees, they will be added to our digital inventory so this process will not be needed again as it will be continually updated.