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<br />STREET CANOPY INCONSISTENT
<br />•
<br />row WI41ao
<br />150 ft
<br />_00ti
<br />The current street tree canopy is limited
<br />throughout downtown Implementing an
<br />urban street tree program within the right-
<br />of-way in downtown Louisville Colorado,
<br />canyield numerous benefits thatpositively
<br />!moan the local environment, economy,
<br />and community well-being Here are the
<br />specific benefits of such a program
<br />Improved Urban Microclimate
<br />Street trees provide shade, which helps
<br />to reduce pavement and au temperatures
<br />in downtown areas This cooling effect
<br />creates more comfortable outdoor spaces
<br />for pedestrians, shoppers, and businesses,
<br />especially during hot summer months
<br />Enhanced Air Quality
<br />Trees play a vital role in capturing au pollutants
<br />such as particulate matter, nitrogen oxides,
<br />and carbon dioxide through their leaves
<br />and bark By filtering and absorbing these
<br />pollutants, street trees help improve air quality
<br />in downtown Louisville, benefiting pubic
<br />health and environmental sustainability
<br />Stormwater Management
<br />Tree canopies intercept rainfall and reduce
<br />stormwater runoff onto streets and sidewalks
<br />This natural water management function
<br />helps alleviate pressure on stormwater
<br />infrastructure, minimizes flooding risks, and
<br />promotes groundwater a harpecontributing
<br />to
<br />sustainable water management pa ices
<br />Visual and Aesthetic Appeal
<br />Well -planned street tree plantings and
<br />landscaping enhance the visual aesthetics of
<br />downtown streetscapes Trees provide greenery,
<br />on
<br />seasonal colorsand texture variations that
<br />soften the urban built environmem, ting
<br />a ring and attractive atmosphere
<br />for residents, esdents, visitors, and businesses
<br />Noise Reduction
<br />Trees act as effective sound barriers, absorbing
<br />and deflecting urban noise from traffic and
<br />other sources By reducing noise pollution
<br />levels,s contribute sting
<br />quieter and more pleasant urban environments
<br />for pedestrians and nearby residents
<br />Increased Property Values
<br />Streets lined with healthymature are
<br />often perceived asdesirable and contribute
<br />to higher property values for adjacent
<br />residential and commercial properties
<br />This can attract investment, support local
<br />businesses, and enhance the overall
<br />economic vitality of downtown areas
<br />Promotion of Active Transportation
<br />Sh
<br />adedsidewalksand tree -lined streets
<br />c ur g walking, cycling, and outdoor
<br />activities
<br />n visitors and
<br />le
<br />g
<br />pedestrian environments promote active
<br />transportation options, reduce car dependency,
<br />and support public health goals
<br />Wildlife Habitat and Biodiversity
<br />Urban street trees provide habitat, andfood
<br />shelter for birds, insects, and
<br />mall mammals. Maintaining a Averse tree
<br />urnopywithm the right-of-way supports
<br />ban biodwersity, ecological resilience,
<br />and wildlife conservation efforts
<br />Community Engagement and Pride
<br />Involving the community in tree planting events,
<br />maintenance and educational programs
<br />fosters ase se of ownership, civic pride, and
<br />enWronmental
<br />residenit also promotes s ocommun
<br />ity nity cohesion
<br />and collaboration in enhancing public spaces
<br />Climate Resilience and Adaptation
<br />Trees contribute to climate resilience by
<br />sequestering carbon dioxide, reducing
<br />energy consumption for cooling buildings
<br />through shading, and providing natural
<br />protector against extreme weather eve tits
<br />such as heatwaves and heavy rainfall
<br />By leveraging these benefits through strategic
<br />planning, tree ecie selection, proper
<br />maintenance practices, and com u ry
<br />engagement, an urban street tree program
<br />within the right-of-way can significantly
<br />enhance the livability sustainability, and
<br />attractiveness of downtown Lousville, benefiting
<br />both current and future generations
<br />2024 DOWNTOWN VISION PLAN
<br />Strategies
<br />Tree Species Selection
<br />Choose tree species suited to urban
<br />considering factors such as size,
<br />tolerance to pollution and compacted soil,
<br />drought resistance, and aesthetic attributes.
<br />The plan should also keep m mind that the trees
<br />are a part of the City's holiday lights program.
<br />Planting and Maintenance Standards
<br />Develop guidelines for proper tree planting
<br />techniques, watering schedules, pruning
<br />practices, and pest/disease management
<br />to ensure tree health and longevity.
<br />Green Infrastructure Integration
<br />Incorporate green Infrastructure elements such
<br />as tree inches, rain gardens, and vegetated
<br />wales into Areetscape designs to manage
<br />stormwater and enhance landscape aesthetics.
<br />Public -Private Partnerships
<br />Collaborate with business organizations,
<br />property owners, and community groups
<br />to fund end m and
<br />landscaping features within the Sight -of -way.
<br />Seasonal Planting and Maintenance Implement
<br />seasonal planting and maintenance schedules
<br />to ensure ongoing care, including mulching,
<br />fertilization, electrical connections and
<br />winter potection for newly planted trees.
<br />Design Guidelines Develop design
<br />guidelines for streetscape Improvements,
<br />including tree planting spacingsidewalk
<br />anddewalk
<br />integration,
<br />rniture
<br />ent,
<br />landscape mainspacing,
<br />standards.
<br />Monitoring and Evaluation Establish monitoring
<br />protocols within the City or a governmental
<br />partnership to assess the health, growth, and
<br />performance of street trees and landscaping
<br />elements over time, making data -driven decisions
<br />for program adjustments and improvements.
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