Wake County has experienced significant population and job growth over the past decades, with continued development expected across the county. As communities grow, county leaders and regional partners recognize the need to prioritize tree canopy management to help keep Wake County sustainable, resilient and livable for future generations.
To better understand the county’s tree canopy and its environmental impact, Wake County partnered with Davey Resource Group in 2022 to complete a Land Cover Analysis with Supporting Tree Canopy Assessment. Completed in the summer of 2023, the analysis covered all 857 square miles of Wake County, including its 12 core municipalities.
Using the data and recommendations from the assessment, municipalities and stakeholders across the county began turning the findings into action. Local governments are conducting tree planting and preservation initiatives while continuing to educate residents about the environmental, economic and community value of trees. Trees provide important green space in communities, improve air quality by removing pollutants, store carbon, capture and filter stormwater, reduce temperatures through shade and provide habitat for wildlife.
Building on that work, Wake County’s Urban Tree Canopy group brings together regional partners to share ideas and strategies for protecting and expanding tree coverage. Through data analysis, mapping and local input, the county is identifying where tree canopy is strong, where it is at risk and where opportunities exist for expansion.
The Tree Canopy Assessment also complements Wake County’s One Water Plan by providing data to help inform future tree canopy preservation and planting opportunities, which are key action strategies identified in the plan. The assessment also highlights how trees help protect water quality, improve environmental health and support sustainable growth.
By integrating tree preservation and planting efforts into land use, water resource and transportation planning, the County is prioritizing tree canopy as a strategy to preserve and enhance the quality of life Wake County residents enjoy now and in the future.
The video highlights initiatives municipalities across Wake County are undertaking to preserve, protect and expand the county’s tree canopy.
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Municipal Reports
TreeKeeper Canopy
TreeKeeper® Canopy is proprietary software developed by Davey Resource Group (DRG) that enables users to access tree canopy assessment data to:
- Make data observations quickly and easily.
- Prioritize and plan tree plantings using environmental and social equity data.
- Make data-driven decisions that can fuel program budgets and encourage support of urban forestry programs.
- Create custom tree canopy goals and projections.
- Share the benefits and promote the value of community trees.
If you need assistance or have questions about this application, or any other data-related inquiries, please contact bill.shroyer@wake.gov.
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View TreeKeeper CanopyContact Us With Questions
For questions about the study, contact bill.shroyer@wake.gov.
For general tree questions, contact Nancy Daly, 919-856-2641.