Charlotte’s ‘tree save’ protections don’t save enough trees from the ax, advocates say

By HERE News

Charlotte’s Tree Protection Ordinance Falling Short

In Charlotte, advocates and experts are raising concerns about the effectiveness of the city’s tree-saving protections. Despite the city’s tree-save ordinance, which requires developers to preserve 15% of trees on commercial development sites, many areas are still being cleared of trees for new construction projects.

Amazon Distribution Center Controversy

One significant example that has drawn criticism is the construction of a new Amazon distribution center near Charlotte Douglas International Airport. In 2019, Amazon cleared almost every tree on a 95-acre site for the project, leaving only two small patches of forest. The city approved the project with the condition that Amazon would replant about eight acres with new trees. However, ecologists like Doug Shoemaker from UNC Charlotte have pointed out that the replanting efforts appear sparse and insufficient to achieve meaningful canopy closure in the future.

Challenges in Meeting Tree Canopy Goals

Charlotte has a goal of maintaining a 50% tree canopy coverage, but studies show that the city’s tree canopy currently stands at around 47% and is decreasing due to urbanization and development. While the city’s tree-save ordinance aims to mitigate tree loss, there are concerns that the requirements may not always be met by developers.

Enforcement and Replanting Standards

City arborist Tim Porter acknowledges the challenges in enforcing tree-saving regulations, noting that over 65% of sites inspected are missing at least one tree. To address this issue, the city is increasing its tree protection team to conduct spot-checks on development sites and ensure compliance with replanting standards.

Implications of Decreasing Tree Canopy

Loss of tree canopy not only impacts the city’s aesthetic appeal but also contributes to environmental issues such as increased heat and poor air quality. Experts warn that without proper tree conservation measures, Charlotte may face hotter temperatures and reduced air quality in the future.

As Charlotte grapples with balancing development needs with environmental preservation, advocates stress the importance of robust enforcement of tree-saving regulations and adherence to replanting standards to safeguard the city’s tree canopy for future generations.