Lexington officials are taking a look at trees in the city. A final urban tree canopy change analysis and planting plan is expected to be presented to city leaders this fall. That’s according to Jennifer Carey, the director of the Division of Environmental Services. Carey said the urban canopy in the bluegrass community has been increasing.
“There should be a whole lot of guidance and information in that report that can help inform where we want to plant trees and where we need to plant trees to get our canopy not only larger but more equitably distributed throughout Lexington,” said Carey.
Carey said the final report can help in determining how to spend $1.5 million to improve Lexington’s tree canopy. Carey appeared before the Environmental and Quality Works Committee last week to deliver the Urban Forestry and Street Trees Update.
Qualifying residents can secure city funds to help with the removal of hazardous street trees. As far as replacement vegetation, Urban Forestry Program Manager Heather Wilson said sometimes new trees can be replanted in dug out locations.
“You know you can grind out your stump. You can ever replant right in that same spot. The roots of the new tree are so small, they are like threads. So, as they get bigger, the other older roots are decomposing and feeding that soil, so it just creates this nutrient cycle. So, it’s not a problem,” said Wilson.
There are situations where a new tree should not go in the same spot. Jennifer Carey noted underground utilities or proximity to sidewalks can be factors when replacement trees are planted.
