This document presents an urban forest master plan for the city of Tempe, Arizona. It aims to help Tempe expand its tree canopy and the associated benefits through 2040. The plan examines Tempe's current urban forest conditions, including a 13.4% tree canopy coverage. It establishes a vision of reaching 20% canopy coverage by 2040 through replacing dead trees and planting 2,400 new trees annually. The plan provides solutions focused on public and private property, along with an action plan, to help implement strategies for a healthier urban forest through collaborative stakeholder action.

1. 1

2. 2
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3. 3
Overview:
Trees are a critical part of human habitat due to their ample direct and indirect economic, social,
and environmental benefits. However, urban forests are intentional human creations- they don't
just happen- especially in the desert. Residents, city staff, businesses, and institutions must
co-create healthy urban forests equitably distributed across the city. The goal of this Plan is to
help the City of Tempe expand tree canopy and all the benefits trees provide for generations to
come. Optimizing benefits and minimizing costs are central priorities. This Plan was developed
with the consultation of arborists, city staff, community members, data analysts, and other
experts in the urban forestry field.
Recommendations for growing a healthy urban forest to help cool the city and improve air
quality build off cross-departmental City of Tempe 2040 goals like becoming a ’20-Minute City’.
Current Condition:
 Current canopy coverage is 13.4% of the total city land area.
 Approximately 19,450 trees in Tempe are city-managed.
 Challenges to canopy growth include water use, infrastructure coordination, and funding.
 Increased funding for tree care, replacement, and planting is required to reach Tempe’s
2040 goals and the vision outlined in this Plan.
Solutions:
Decision-makers, city staff, residents, and businesses today will decide if, how, and to what
degree these challenges are successfully overcome. In order to spur strategic progress, this
document includes solutions for private and public property, and an Action Plan to help
implement these ideas. Public property solutions focus on parks and open space, streets, and
commercial hubs. Solutions on private property include creating a Master Urban Forester
Program for residents, a multi-functional app for tree information and ordering, and educational
workshops for all ages. Additional recommendations are discussed in the Urban Forest Master
Plan.
Vision:
Reach an average of 20% canopy coverage before 2040 by replacing all dead trees and
planting 2,400 new trees a year starting in 2017. Principles fundamental to achieving this vision
include: biodiversity, collective action, infrastructure coordination, equitable walkability, and wise
resource use. Improving city expenditure on tree planting and care while inspiring collaborative
stakeholder action can create the walkable, shaded city Tempe residents both need and want in
the future.

4. 4
Introduction ................................................................................................................... ..1
Current State................................................................................................................. ..3
Tempe’s Urban Forest Value............................................................................ ..4
Tree Species Value.......................................................................................... ..5
Current Challenges .......................................................................................... ..6
Possible Futures ........................................................................................................... ..9
Vision .......................................................................................................................... ..10
Guiding Principles .......................................................................................... ..11
Goals.............................................................................................................. ..13
Solutions ..................................................................................................................... ..14
Public Property Solutions ............................................................................... ..14
Private Property Solutions.............................................................................. ..20
Transition Strategy ...................................................................................................... ..23
Champions and Partnerships ......................................................................... ..23
Resources ...................................................................................................... ..24
Policy.............................................................................................................. ..25
Creative Engagement..................................................................................... ..26
Action Plan.................................................................................................................. ..29
Conclusion .................................................................................................................. ..30
Acknowledgements ..................................................................................................... ..31
Appendix ..................................................................................................................... ..32
Please save a tree and read digitally.

5. 1
Some of the most appreciated assets in the
City of Tempe are its trees. Whether
walking along downtown Mill Avenue on a
hot summer day, bicycling along a shady
path, or having a picnic in the park, Tempe’s
residents and visitors enjoy the beauty and
comfort of our trees. As our landlocked city
infills with buildings and hardscape,
expanding the urban forest will reduce heat
retention.
The intent of the City of Tempe’s Urban
Forestry Master Plan (UFMP) is to
illustrate how urban trees are an
important city asset to be managed and
appreciated over time with proper
planting and care.
The urban forest includes all trees across
the city from border to border, including
those on private property (residential,
commercial, institutional and industrial
properties). The city-managed urban forest
includes trees in parks, street right-of-ways,
and facilities owned and managed by the
city. While this plan is primarily focused on
trees, the urban forest often includes the
landscape as well.
The UFMP includes a review of the
current state of the existing urban forest,
a vision for a healthy and sustainable
future, and transition strategies to
achieve the vision.
A strategy diagram illustrating solution and
vision relationships is included in the
Transition Strategy section. The UFMP also
seeks to embrace the momentum of existing
projects and provides the tools necessary
for city staff, residents and businesses to
collaboratively create a thriving urban forest
Tempe has developed a variety of forestry
programs over the years, including Trees for
Tempe, the Living Tree Memorial, grants for
neighborhood tree planting, and more (see
Appendix).
This Plan is aligned with the Tempe General
Plan 2040, guiding the selection, planting
and care of trees needed to accomplish a
walkable and bikeable ’20-Minute City’.
A ’20-Minute City’ is a city goal where
residents can comfortably walk or bike to
major urban amenities, such as grocery
stores, services, and transit within 20
minutes of their homes.

6. 2
Specific goals and targets in this Plan
reflect these main objectives:
• Increase park, open space, and
public space use
• Improve mobility (i.e. walking,
biking, access to bus and rail)
• Increase tree canopy, replace
missing/diseased trees, update
sparse landscape in right-of-
ways, parks, and city properties
• Increase awareness and support
of Tempe’s urban forest
This UFMP is a result of collaborative
planning and research between city staff
from multiple departments and Walton
Sustainability Solutions Initiatives.
Before air conditioning, residents of the
Valley were astutely aware of the benefits of
trees acting as outdoor cooling units, but
this appreciative mindset towards trees has
declined in recent decades. Instead, trees
are viewed as an expensive and
unnecessary component of buildings.
Yet, trees continue to offer many benefits to
the community. Trees can create a network
of outdoor ‘rooms’ which feel much cooler
than the surrounding area. Additionally,
trees absorb contaminants and consume
pollution which benefits local air quality.
During multiple community engagement
events during 2015-2016 a diverse range of
residents expressed their desire for a
healthy urban forest. In order to
intentionally engage stakeholders about
urban forests, Tempe staff prepared a
communication plan and began public
outreach in 2016.
Additionally, presentations and further
information are available at a recently
established website:
www.tempe.com/urbanforest.
Many events to increase public
awareness of urban forestry are
planned for 2016, including
educational seminars, workshops,
tree giveaways, and stewardship
opportunities.

7. 3
Tree Canopy Cover in Tempe
per Census Tract
6
Census
Tract
No.
canopy
cover
[%]
canopy
cover
[acres]
319600 20.2 128
319800 14.9 93
319500 16.3 104
319906 12.8 80
319908 10.5 65
319403 16.3 107
319902 12.7 77
318800 10.3 65
319101 7.8 6
318900 17.1 109
318501 10.7 33
319903 18.9 125
319704 9.0 173
319907 25.8 165
319904 15.0 96
319000 21.5 137
319909 14.7 95
318700 5.0 30
320001 15.0 77
Census
Tract
No.
canopy
cover
[%]
canopy
cover
[acres]
320100 8.1 94
319706 12.4 42
319705 6.8 64
319202 9.5 31
421201 6.9 5
319201 11.9 39
319104 14.6 46
319103 13.8 33
319703 10.8 73
319401 14.8 98
319404 13.9 68
318400 6.8 125
319300 11.2 30
810100 24.2 300
810000 14.7 95
319402 15.6 101
319910 14.6 237
319905 16.4 106
320007 12.4 62
Canopy Cover by Census Tract
Tree Canopy Cover in Tempe
per Census Tract
Census
Tract
No.
canopy
cover
[%]
canopy
cover
[acres]
319600 20.2 128
319800 14.9 93
319500 16.3 104
319906 12.8 80
319908 10.5 65
319403 16.3 107
319902 12.7 77
318800 10.3 65
319101 7.8 6
318900 17.1 109
318501 10.7 33
319903 18.9 125
319704 9.0 173
319907 25.8 165
319904 15.0 96
319000 21.5 137
319909 14.7 95
318700 5.0 30
320001 15.0 77
Census
Tract
No.
canopy
cover
[%]
canopy
cover
[acres]
320100 8.1 94
319706 12.4 42
319705 6.8 64
319202 9.5 31
421201 6.9 5
319201 11.9 39
319104 14.6 46
319103 13.8 33
319703 10.8 73
319401 14.8 98
319404 13.9 68
318400 6.8 125
319300 11.2 30
810100 24.2 300
810000 14.7 95
319402 15.6 101
319910 14.6 237
319905 16.4 106
320007 12.4 62
Understanding the current condition of
Tempe’s urban forest is the first step to
improvement. This section explains the
distribution and characteristics of existing
canopy cover, the economic value of trees,
and challenges to maintaining and
expanding the canopy.
Tempe’s estimated canopy coverage is
currently 13.4% of the total land area. As
shown in the adjacent figure, Tempe’s
canopy coverage by census tract ranges
from 5.0% to 25.8%. For a detailed chart of
census tract numbers and corresponding
canopy cover percentage and acreage,
please refer to the Appendix.
There are approximately 19,450 city-
managed trees in Tempe, with species
including Algarrobos, Chinese Elm, Sonoran
Palo Verdes, Gum Trees, and California
Palms. The city owns and manages over
2% of the 13.4% canopy coverage city-
wide.
Additionally, 40% of city-managed trees in
Tempe are up to 15 feet tall and 46.8% of
the trees are 16-30 feet tall, with the
remaining tree ranges under 10%. Since the
actual age of city-owned trees is unknown,
height acts as a proxy measure for age in
this report.

8. 4
2.1 Tempe’s Urban Forest Value
With tree planting efforts equitably
distributed and proper maintenance, tree
benefits can enrich the lives of everyone
working in, living in, or visiting Tempe.
Researchers at Arizona State University
(ASU) utilized a collection of software
programs designed by the USDA Forest
Service, i-Tree, to analyze Tempe’s tree
inventory and quantify the annual benefits
trees provide to the city. The ‘ecosystem
services’ of a healthy canopy include
enhanced energy bill savings, property
values, air quality, and stormwater control.
The image below shows the economic
benefits Tempe currently realizes from its
existing tree canopy.
Trees can help reduce energy costs by
shading buildings and streets creating a
cooler city. Air quality is improved by trees
because they absorb contaminants and
intercept dust while producing clean
breathable air. Also, trees absorb water
during rain events and absorb carbon
dioxide.
Currently, 19,450 city-managed trees
offer a total yearly benefit of $1,399,065.
If 50% of the existing city-managed trees
are maintained sufficiently and grow to the
next size bracket, assuming no trees are
lost, i-Tree estimates the total annual
economic benefit increases to
$1,541,204. See Appendix for exact values.

9. 5
2.2 Tree Species Value
The six tree species detailed in the
following analysis will play a critical role
in the City of Tempe’s efforts to increase
canopy due to their high prevalence in
existing stock. This information should
be used to make informed decisions
about tree selection.
i-Tree analysis shows the costs and benefits
of each tree species at maturity. For more
information about i-Tree assumptions
please refer to the Appendix.
The analysis assumes that 1) freshly
planted trees have a diameter at breast
height (DBH) of up to 6 inches and 2)
mature trees have a DBH of 12-18 inches.
A chart is also provided in the Appendix
showing yearly economic benefits pertaining
to energy, carbon reduction, stormwater
management, and aesthetic appeal at initial
planting and maturity.
Value of a Mature Tree per Year

10. 6
2.3 Current Challenges
Most stakeholders agree that trees in
urban settings improve the quality of life
of residents and visitors. However, a set
of complex challenges often block
translation of this shared desire into
successfully managed healthy tree
canopies across the city. Known
challenges as described by city staff and
residents are explained below and
addressed in this report.
Water Use:
Even though the State of Arizona passed
the 1980 Groundwater Management Act
mandating a 100-year water supply for
communities, the future of water in Arizona
is uncertain. The current drought in
California serves as a reminder the City of
Tempe is located in a desert where water
is scarce. Like all life, trees need water to
live. Some trees used in Tempe are not
local to the region or desert-adapted and
can be large consumers of water.
Alternatively, some native and low water
trees are over-watered, which frequently
results in inadequate root development and
an early demise. When residents see large
amounts of water diverted for irrigation,
questions pertaining to water-use efficiency
arise. In fact, residents raised this same
concern during a community engagement
event in 2016 around urban forests in
Tempe. Water is expected to become an
increasingly contested resource, so current
water conservation efforts are a risk
mitigation strategy.
Viewsheds:
A viewshed describes an area visible from a
location. For example, businesses highly
value the visibility of their signage from the
street and sidewalk. If trees are planted and
mature in a way that blocks property signs,
business owners have been known to
remove the tree. This is an important issue
to business owners because they would like
to attract customers through their signage.
Conversely, shade-less sidewalks may also
deter residents from walking and cycling to
nearby businesses. Fortunately, these
concerns can be alleviated through
specific efforts to ensure visibility and
shade which are covered later in this report.
Public vs Private Property:
The line between public and private
property is commonly misconstrued. The
city owns and manages roughly 2% of the
land in Tempe, which includes parks,
facilities, some right-of-way, and street
medians. However, Home Owners
Associations or commercial centers typically
own land between the sidewalk and their
neighborhood or business. Some private
and public stakeholders do not clearly
understand who is responsible for
maintenance and upkeep of these spaces.
This problem speaks to the need for
education and engagement around tree
maintenance responsibilities between
residents and the city.

11. 7
In situations where trees straddle a property
line, private and public stakeholders need to
create an agreement outlining which party
or parties will be responsible for providing
consistent tree care.
Budgets:
During the 2008 financial crisis, the City of
Tempe made the difficult decision to reduce
park and streetscape budgets. Thus,
funds were not available to properly care for
or improve existing tree infrastructure.
Additionally, dead trees or trees uprooted
from severe weather events were not
immediately replaced. The recession not
only reduced city funding needed to
maintain the urban canopy, but also led
many residents to prioritize other
investments at the household level other
than planting trees. As the economy
improved, parks received additional funds to
begin the revegetation process. Since
walkability is valued by both the city and
residents, increased investment in the urban
forest is needed to provide necessary
shade.
Maintenance:
In the past, trees may not have been
properly maintained for a multitude of
reasons including poor pruning practices,
over-watering, aging irrigation
infrastructure, and neglect. Some
stakeholders argue if more trees are added
to the network with the current state of care,
they will not mature into healthy trees
capable of providing full benefits.
According to Maricopa County’s Air Quality
Director, Phil McNeely, poor maintenance
and planting practices shortens a street
tree’s lifespan to approximately 7 years.
Residents are eager to learn how best to
maintain their trees and frequently ask if
the City of Tempe would develop an
educational resource to aid residents in
becoming responsible tree keepers.
Lastly, some residents and business owners
do not want trees on their property due to
real or perceived increased commitments
for water, clean-up, and pruning.
These challenges along with pests and
increasing heat must, and can be
addressed in order to create a healthy
urban tree canopy for generations of Tempe
residents to enjoy. Increased funding,
resources, and knowledge are required to
make progress.
Decision-makers today will determine if,
how, and to what degree these
challenges are successfully overcome.
Tree responsibilities and benefits touch
every department in the city, highlighting
the importance of cross-departmental
efforts and cooperation to achieve long-
term success.
The following section explores potential
future scenarios that may result from
different actions. When reading the next
section, consider how you as a resident, city
employee, and/ or business owner can help
achieve your desired scenario.

12. 8

13. 9
Green, Cool, and Healthy Tempe
(Upward trajectory – 15-20% canopy coverage)
 Urban forest supports ‘20-Minute City’
 Increased investments in tree planting and care
 No serious damage from drought and disease
 Successful retail and shaded neighborhoods
There are many potential futures that
Tempe’s urban forest could take in the next
several decades, three of which are detailed
in this section. Future scenarios depend on
a complex web of interconnected factors
including city and property owner actions
such as investment, maintenance, and
infrastructure improvements. Other factors
impacting future tree canopy include
climate, water availability, pests, and
disease.
Tempe’s urban forest could be reduced if
the city, businesses, and residents do
not make definitive investments.
Tempe currently has approximately 13%
canopy coverage and has not made major
investments to maintain the urban forest.
Moving forward, city officials can help shape
a more desirable, cooler future city by
considering the long-term impacts of
different actions. For example, if tree
biodiversity is not enhanced, Tempe could
lose the majority of its current tree
population to disease; thus- dramatically
decreasing shade. Or, Tempe could invest
more resources in urban forestry efforts in
order to help build a comfortable, walkable
‘20-Minute City’. Three basic futures for
Tempe’s urban forest are:
Hot and Dry Tempe
(Downward trajectory – Less than 13% canopy coverage)
 Few trees replaced and planted
 Increased urban heat and decreased walkability
 Retail losses due to lack of walkability
Status Quo Tempe
(Stagnant trajectory – 13% canopy coverage)
 No canopy expansion but dead trees are replaced
 No additional funding, training, or education
 Canopy inequitably dispersed

14. 10
20% Canopy by 2040:
Tempe’s streets, hubs,
parks, & neighborhoods
are equitably connected
by a healthy and
biodiverse tree canopy
sustainably providing
plentiful shade, habitat,
and clean air.
Becoming a ’20-Minute City’ by 2040
underlies the proposed vision for
Tempe’s urban forests.
Tempe currently has approximately 19,450
city-managed trees and an average of
13.4% canopy coverage city-wide. In order
to reach 20% canopy cover across the city
by 2040, 2,400 new trees need to be
planted a year starting in 2017.
Increasing tree canopy to 20% by 2040 will
require 55,000 additional trees which
equates to 2,392 plantings a year. However,
this number was rounded up since not all
plantings will survive the first year (see
Appendix for goal assumptions). New
plantings are needed in addition to replacing
trees damaged by storms, pests, or old age.

15. 11
Expand Shade to
Maximize Urban Cooling
Create a vibrant, walkable, 20-Minute City that
benefits public health and economic development
by planting trees and building structured shade.
Designers can augment this principle by planting
trees and using construction materials that
reduce the urban heat island (UHI) effect. To
learn more about how trees reduce UHI and air
pollution watch this video.
Equitably Improve Walkability
Plant trees and design sustainable landscapes that improve
walkability to retail and services in all neighborhoods. This
is a priority of residents, as shown in the adjacent comment
from a community engagement event in 2016. In the UFMP,
equity refers to providing a minimum level of tree canopy
benefits to all neighborhoods. The city intentionally attempts
to equitably distribute trees on their property throughout the
city. The greatest disparities between urban canopy
coverage currently exist on private property.
Cultivate
Collective Action
Utilize volunteers, businesses, city
staff, non-profits, and public-private
partnerships to grow and maintain
the urban forest. This principle will
require major additional coordination
between diverse stakeholders. A
diverse set of programs will be
needed to increase tree coverage
city-wide. The benefits of increased
canopy and cooling may enhance
pride and inspire residents,
volunteers, and businesses to
further support their community.
Guiding Principles:
Principles outlined on the following pages
support this proposed vision and overall UFMP.

16. 12
Use Resources Wisely
Select and care for trees and landscapes
that reduce the use of water and when
possible, fertilizers. When water is needed,
consider utilizing condensate from HVACs
systems, greywater, and stormwater.
Increase Property Values
through Beautification
Plant and maintain trees that increase property
values and attract businesses, retail customers,
and residents. Shopping centers with ample trees
attract more shoppers who spend larger amounts
of time at the establishment than those without
trees. Increased property values benefit the
entire city due to increased tax revenue.
Coordinate Infrastructure
& Preserve Viewsheds
Select and maintain trees that are compatible with
infrastructure such as street lighting, underground
utilities, and power lines. This will require city
coordination with utilities, landscapers, residents,
and businesses. Support tree growth that
preserve important viewsheds (i.e. mountain
views, signage, etc.).
Support Biodiversity
& Habitat
Plant diverse species of trees that absorb
potential shocks, including extreme heat and
species-specific disease. Develop a healthy
urban forest that provides natural habitat for
birds, animals and pollinators. Over 60
pollinators are attracted to the Native
Mesquite, but only 12 come to the South
American mesquite. Additionally, migrating
song birds that pass through Arizona prefer
native trees and provide residents with pest
control, beauty, and song. Birds also provide
a robust tourism industry in the Valley
attracting birders from across the world. This
principle aligns with the city’s habitat
management plans and the Rio Salado
Environmental Restoration Project’s efforts to
establish natural wetlands with an overstory
for habitat.

17. 13
1.
2.
3.
Goals
Strategically and efficiently
utilize natural, economic, and
human resources to expand and
care for a healthy biodiverse
canopy.
Equitably distribute shade trees
to create a walkable, 20-Minute
City that benefits public well-
being and economic
development.
Empower residents, businesses,
organizations, and city staff to
collaboratively create and care
for 20% tree canopy by 2040.
A prerequisite of these goals is to plant 2,400 trees a year in Tempe
on both public and private property. There are more detailed goals
and targets listed in the Appendix for use by city staff implementing
this plan. Creating an Urban Forester position at the city will
streamline tracking, evaluation, and communication about goal
progress to stakeholders.

18. 14
This section includes solutions for
increasing tree and shade on public and
private property. Public property solutions
would be implemented largely by the city,
while private property solutions consider
opportunities for residents and businesses
to partner with the city to expand shade.
5.1 Public Property Solutions
Key design elements for improving tree
coverage and health in parks and open
space, streets and intersections, and
commercial hubs were identified by city
staff.
Tree planting and care efforts on public
property will demonstrate the City of
Tempe’s intentions to build a healthy urban
forest. Installations that shade gathering
areas, streets, and sidewalks demonstrate
to developers and property owners that
trees and shade structures can be used to
create a more comfortable, walkable city.
Parks and Open Space
In order to promote a healthy, walkable
park, shaded perimeter and interior paths
should be created and maintained. The
design of public space must consider safety
using lighting and proper path selection to
discourage unlawful activity. Shade is
needed along pathways to attract
community use of the park. Trees should
coordinate with existing and future
infrastructure.
Future budgets for trees need to anticipate
tree replacement due to age, storm
damage, and pest invasion. Expanding tree
canopy requires investment in staff and
funding to purchase new trees.
Design elements on the next page are
intended to inform decision making around
tree purchasing, planting, and care in parks.

19. 15
Opportunities
Parks and open space are beacons for shade strategies in the city to be enjoyed
by diverse communities. These park/ open space areas can be used to highlight
how trees shade play areas, pathways, sidewalks adjacent to streets, and
connector streets. Implementation of these design elements and city workforce re-
structuring will help Tempe parks and open space become a model of best
practices for an urban forest in the desert.
In the early 2000s, Tempe’s Parks maintenance program employed 75 people but
this program was cut to 45 in 2009 due to the recession. In late 2016 Public
Works is switching to a skill-based pay system to incentivize staff to enhance and
diversify their skill-set. With this new system, staff caring for different types of
trees and irrigation systems will be better equipped with the skills and knowledge
to help trees grow strong and tall.
Key Design Elements
 Plant trees without blocking line of sight
through a park to increase safety.
 Shade pathways and sidewalks.
 Plant tree clusters around amenities
such as benches and grills to make the
park more usable.
 Add tree clusters and illumination along
paths to enhance safety.
 Follow low impact design strategies,
planting trees to utilize stormwater.
 Design parks to have view corridors;
use tree clusters and variable tree
heights to increase visibility and interest.
 Combine strategic trees with structural
shade to optimize cooling.
 Create tree clusters near activity zones.

20. 16
Streets
Street trees provide an opportunity to calm
traffic, extend the life of sidewalks, and
enhance shade. Also, increased shade
along streets helps to reduce urban heat
island effect and enhances pedestrian and
bike accessibility.
Street trees require significant coordination
with both streets and business infrastructure
and signage. Maintenance requirements are
a higher priority in these areas than parks
and open space because clearance must be
maintained and areas cleared promptly after
storms.
Land use and redevelopment projects are
opportunities to select the right tree to
mitigate the urban heat island effect while
expanding shade and increasing
walkability between businesses.
Key Design Elements
 Continue to establish shaded bike lanes
along streets.
 Place curbside tree wells with ample
space for roots to grow and collect
stormwater from adjacent pavement.
 Consider potential conflicts with street
edge canopies and large trucks.
 Prune trees carefully to reduce
infrastructure conflicts and maximize
healthy growth.
 Strategically place trees to provide
continuous shade throughout the day.
 Phase street landscapes to coordinate
with capital improvement and housing
projects.
 Ensure tree diversity to achieve
maximum canopy health.
 Provide trees or structural shade at bus
stops.
Opportunities
Street trees can decrease the exposure
of vulnerable populations, including the
young and elderly, to extreme heat when
they are walking to and waiting at bus
stops. Street trees increase the safety
and comfort of mobility for all residents,
especially from May to October.

21. 17
Hubs
Tempe’s retail destinations that are shaded
and comfortable promote outdoor activities
and local spending. Mill Avenue, depicted in
the adjacent photo, provides an example of
a shaded corridor that successfully attracts
pedestrians and cyclists.
It is important to preserve viewsheds while
still enhancing walkability and shade.
Additionally, planting efforts must consider
the location of underground and
overhead infrastructure. Selecting the
proper tree based on its anticipated size at
maturity, shape, and root structure is critical.
Biodiversity is also important. A wide
range of drought-tolerant species helps
ensure survival after storms, insect
infestations, drought, and other disruptions.
Key Design Elements
Strategic tree placement along streets and
in parking lots can benefit businesses and
pedestrians. Considering signage
placement, providing sufficient space for
proper root growth, and careful pruning will
improve property values and attract
businesses.
 Educate businesses, landscapers, and
property owners on proper tree
maintenance to ensure tree health.
 Increase canopy in parking lots to
increase customer comfort.
 Allow for shaded bike lanes and
sidewalks.
 Shade intersection corners to improve
waiting zones for pedestrians.
 Implement water-sensitive design and
green infrastructure methods. Consider
the use of curb cuts, swales, and
permeable pavement for better
stormwater management.
 Install solar-energy producing shade
installations in parking lots where
feasible.
 Provide educational outreach to inform
business owners and tenants of the
benefits of trees, particularly in
increasing foot traffic, safety, and local
comfort.
 Select trees for street and parking areas
that have these characteristics: low
VOC emitter, single-trunk, and an
appropriately sized root ball.
 Ensure trees planted on commercial
property are maintained properly and
replaced when removed.
 Work with businesses to identify key
viewsheds, sign placement choices, and
shade/tree options during the design
development phase.

22. 18
Opportunities
Intersection hubs require collaboration between the city and businesses to improve
accessibility by bicyclists and pedestrians to social/business centers. The photos below
contrast commercial areas with low and high canopy coverage. Public-private partnerships are
required for the city to include more hubs resembling the photo on the right. The images below
illustrate what pedestrians and cyclists already know- a journey under shade is more enjoyable
physically and aesthetically than traveling under the intense rays of the sun. Adding trees,
maintaining irrigation systems, and providing proper care at hubs and on the streets which
connect hubs will benefit residents and the businesses which depend on them.
There is no silver bullet to creating shaded hubs, streets, or parks/ open space. In order to
achieve increased canopy on public property, a variety of efforts are required. The program
concepts outlined on the next page provide a sampling of the opportunities present for
innovative stakeholder engagement.
X

23. 19
Tall Pots Program
Tempe is exploring the feasibility of
purchasing trees from Maricopa County’s
tall pots program to expand tree canopy.
This program grows trees in a long
container before planting so they establish
long, healthy root systems. After one year
of planting the trees survive without
irrigation. For more information please
watch this video.
Library Pilot Plots
The city will soon have a new Landscape and Management
Plan for the Tempe Community Complex at Southern Ave &
Rural Rd. This provides an ideal opportunity to develop an
interactive teaching garden at the Library where residents and
the business community can learn (and teach) proper
methods of tree planting, watering, and pruning.
Understanding attributes of a diverse selection of trees on the
campus will assist property owners in selecting the ‘right tree
for the right place’, particularly as they plant trees, adding to
the city’s tree canopy. With programming and demonstration
pilot plots, this area can serve as an example urban forestry
hub of activity.
Private Property Champion for Hub Walkability
Encourage urban tree planting at retail, business and corporate locations by
pursuing pilot projects to showcase benefits of trees. The new Mountain Park
Health Center project at McClintock and Broadway could be a potential partner; it
is in the planning stages and patients have identified shade as an important
element to the campus. Mountain Park Health Center (MPHC) is a 501(c)3 non-
profit dedicated to providing health care services that are affordable, accessible,
culturally-appropriate and clinically-sound for their clients.

24. 20
5.2 Private Property Solutions
The City of Tempe has many passionate,
active residents who are already helping to
create a healthy tree canopy. For example,
multiple neighborhood groups have worked
together to plant over 200 trees in their
community utilizing neighborhood grants.
Also, a woodshop teacher and artist at ASU
salvages wood from dead trees after storms
for create furniture and teaches students to
respect trees.
The following programs were designed to
build on current momentum and address
specific opportunities on private property
through collaborative partnerships and
creative education. The Master Urban
Forester Program, Online Tree Portal, and
Workshops proposed should be prioritized.
Each program focuses on one or multiple
facets of capacity building- developing while
strengthening skills and knowledge required
for residents to help accomplish shared
goals set forth in the UFMP.
The city is also in the process of developing
an online brochure to help residents
properly plant and maintain their trees. This
type of information was requested by many
residents during a community engagement
event in March, 2016.
Tree Bank Program
Corporations, groups, and individuals
fund the donation of trees for planting by
residents and organizations, such as
community services groups, volunteer
teams, clubs, and youth groups. The City
of Tempe can partner with a local nursery
to provide trees. This strategy is currently
used in LA, Chicago, and Houston.
Online Tree Portal
Through an online portal, residents can
order trees to plant and then input
information about new and existing trees to
form a community tree management
inventory. Additionally, the app will allow
residents to 'sign up' to take care of certain
trees in their community and provide a
platform for residents to share stories and
memories about certain trees. In New York
City’s tree program, residents sign-up to
maintain trees. In Melbourne, Australia the
storytelling component is used. Additional
functions of the app will focus on business
stakeholders.

25. 21
Master Urban Forester Program
Through a robust offering of activities, tours, lectures, volunteer opportunities, and
discussions, community members in the Master Urban Forester program will be prepared to
make long-lasting positive change in the community. The focus of this training is to educate
and empower residents to preserve and enhance the comfort, health, and beauty provided
by Tempe’s urban forest. Opportunities to receive Continuing Education Units will be
available. Similar resident empowerment programs exist in Portland and Baltimore.
Residents have already expressed interest in this program and some have asked to be put
on the early registration list. More information is available in the Appendix.
Edible Forest Initiative
Through online resources, community workshops, and other private
property efforts the city can promote the planting and harvesting of
trees which bear fruit and legumes. If the city identifies trees that
produce food on public property but do not receive chemical
treatments, they can encourage residents to harvest. This program
would reduce maintenance costs while promoting a sense of place
tied to the local history and culture of the Valley.
A community organization in Tucson, Desert Harvesters, recently
created a coop for milling flour from mesquite pods with a portable
hammer mill. The Valley Permaculture Alliance, located in Phoenix,
offers mesquite pods milling as well. This flour is highly nutritious and
has the potential to spur new businesses. The optimization of food
produced by trees in Tempe can also be pursued by a city
partnership with landscapers. In order to support these efforts, the
city should explore ways to encourage sustainable business models
that will incentivize Tempe property owners to plant edible trees.

26. 22
Neighborhood & Homeowner
Association Tree Program
Associations are provided educational
materials on the benefits of trees
pertaining to real estate values, cooling
costs, and aesthetic appeal. Additional
information is provided on tree
selection, planting tips, incentives, and
maintenance. A HOA-focused model is
currently used by the Town of Gilbert in
a program using targeted education to
encourage water conservation.
Pollinator and/ or Bird Program
This program would encourage residents to plant select
native trees that benefit pollinators and other species.
Residents who register their plants with the city would
receive a sign to place along the sidewalk to educate
others on what services their vegetation provides. Austin,
Texas has a similar program encouraging residents to
plant pollinator-friendly native plants. Further, these
programs support a nation-wide commitment made in
2015 to providing habitat for pollinators.
Community Workshops
for All Ages
Teach youth and adult community
members about tree planting and care
at local community centers and
libraries. Opportunities to earn
Continuing Education Units will be
available. Simultaneously, children
can attend tree-related events
including trivia, reading circles, crafts,
and games. A similar program exists
in New York City.

27. 23
Robust strategies required to implement
each solution option listed above
include: champions and partnerships,
resources, policy recommendations, and
an Action Plan.
Champions and Partnerships
Champions and strategic partnerships are
critical for boosting Tempe’s urban forests.
In order to keep stakeholders engaged, it’s
important to celebrate successes and small
steps towards the 2040 vision.
 Urban Forester: An Urban Forester
can serve as tree champion within City
Hall and planning. Alternatively, an
urban forestry working group can ensure
more coordination occurs between
departments and best practices are
implemented to increase canopy.
 Local Nurseries: Nurseries will need
to supply high-quality, biodiverse,
drought-tolerant, healthy trees for the
city and its residents to plant.
 City Staff: Staff has the strongest
ability to act on this Plan and can find
opportunities and resources to plant and
maintain a healthy urban forest.
 Landscape Architects: They can
encourage clients to increase canopy
and can help property owners select the
right tree for the right place.
 Community Members: Residents
may plant trees on private property and
advocate for more trees.
 Birders: Work with birders to enhance
diverse shade-providing bird habitat.
 Master Urban Foresters: Tempe
residents who go through the Master
Urban Forester Program will be
equipped with the knowledge and skills
to lead planting and maintenance efforts
in their neighborhoods.
 Gardeners: Collaborate with
community garden and edible forest
movements to enhance the urban forest.
 Neighbors Helping Neighbors: This
group builds community connections to
help support Tempe residents who
choose to age in place.

28. 24
Resources
Tempe’s vision for a healthy urban forest
will not be achieved unless additional
resources are secured to plant and maintain
trees. Critical organizational resources and
processes that need to be considered in the
implementation of the master plan are:
 Grants: A $100,000 grant from Alliance
for Community Trees’ ‘ReLeaf City’
program was awarded in 2016 and
provides Tempe with an opportunity to
establish best practices for urban
forestry. Grants can provide funding for
initial pilot projects.
 Neighborhood Associations:
Residents and their neighborhood
associations can help safeguard trees
and shade as a priority among city
infrastructure. Neighborhood
associations can organize tree planting
days and tree counts.
 Character Areas: Tempe residents
can express the importance of an urban
forest through the character areas
planning process.
 Businesses: Businesses can sponsor
tree-planting events and ensure their
own properties demonstrate proper tree
maintenance practices and how this
influences the potential for a robust
urban forest.
 Utility Companies: Utilities around
the country supply trees to residents to
reduce energy demands. Additionally,
utility companies may help ensure the
right trees are planted in the right
places; thereby mitigating conflict. In
fact, SRP has a Forestry Division with
dedicated personnel able to check for
lines at a potential tree planting site.
 National Forestry Organizations:
The Arbor Day Foundation and Alliance
for Community Trees have resources
and grants that may be beneficial to
build an urban forestry program.
 Arizona Department of Forestry:
The state of Arizona provides grants
and resources that can support Tempe’s
efforts to reach tree planting and
biodiversity goals.
 Capital Improvement Projects
(CIP): CIPs should help fund
streetscape improvements with the
intention of increasing Tempe’s urban
forest. CIPs may also be used in parks
to improve the canopy coverage along
pathways, sidewalks, and playgrounds.

29. 25
Policy
Policies that fully support urban forestry
goals offer the most direct path to success.
Potential policy opportunities include:
 Tree Palette: City staff identified an
opportunity to redefine the city’s tree
palette to support biodiversity, low
water-use, and context-specific planting.
The palette would be used for parks,
property renovations, streetscape
retrofits, and more. Although
monocultures have historically been
used in Tempe to create a sense of
place, use should be limited moving
forward due to increased vulnerability
when one species is used.
 Streetscapes: By implementing low
impact development (LID) standards
and adopting best practices, the city
would expand its assets to realize
increased environmental and social
benefits.
 Biodiversity: Policy might require
multiple tree species in future
development. Some North American
cities have created similar policies to
support biodiversity. For example,
Vancouver does not plant more than 5%
of annual tree plantings with any one
species.
 Shopping Centers and Parking:
The City of Tempe can partner with the
development community to create more
expansive tree canopy for shopping
centers and surface level parking lots,
increasing benefits and balancing
project needs.
 Thermal Comfort: Some city staff
recommended that Tempe support
further research at ASU to develop best
practices on how trees can support
thermal comfort in a desert environment
(species selection, distance planted
from sidewalk, and irrigation strategies).

30. 26
Pop-Up Forest Fundraiser
Create a pop-up forest in a highly
visible location during an ASU football
weekend to increase foot traffic and
open unique branding opportunities
(i.e. tailgate in the forest). The photo
shows a pop-up forest in Times
Square in New York City.
Creative Engagement
There are many ways to get residents
excited about improving and caring for their
local urban forest including the following:
Annual Tour de Trees
Establish annual Tour de Trees weekend in
Tempe. This event brings arborists and city
staff together with residents on a walk/ bicycle
ride around the city. During this journey,
residents can learn about the benefits of
trees, proper care practices, what types of
trees to plant, and more. Partnering with ASU
would increase awareness of the event and
open opportunities for viewing the on-campus
arboretum as part of the tour. Tour may also
highlight older neighborhoods and unique
trees identified by residents through an online
competition prior to the event.
Art Classes with Salvaged & Living Trees
Utilize local knowledge to help educate residents about
how to use salvaged wood after storms to build beautiful
artwork and functional pieces through workshops. Damon
McIntyre, featured in this photo, is an ASU Woodshop
Instructor and Tempe resident with a passion for trees.
Damon also practices the art of shaping trees while they
are still growing. He has volunteered to lead tree-focused
art-inspired workshops with the community. This is one
example of how residents are eager to contribute their
skills to boost urban forestry in the community.
‘Grow Your Network’ Volunteer Days
Create volunteer opportunities for specific sectors in partnership with
ASU, industry organizations, and local businesses which are branded
as opportunities to network with professionals while planting trees.

31. 27
Tree & Shade Transition Strategy
This strategy is intended to show how a
selection of different programs, educational
efforts, and social capacity building
initiatives within the City of Tempe can work
together to accomplish the 2040 vision.
Another program that may help businesses
transition is the subsidization of tree
watering by the City of Tempe at
commercial locations for the first year after
planting. In order to encourage more
businesses to plant trees on their property,
the city may donate water bags enabling
trees to grow healthy without additional
costs to the business owner. The city may
create guidelines for participation to
decrease program abuse including a
minimum requirement for the number and
diversity of trees planted.
Program effectiveness can be gauged by
conducting a pilot program. Additionally, in
order to ensure this investment is properly
maintained, the city should develop a
guide to help businesses maintain
parking lot trees.

32. 28

33. 29
A well-articulated Action Plan with clear
roles and responsibilities may be the most
important component of the UFMP. A critical
element of action is a realistic budget and
funding sources. After articulating the
economic benefits of trees outlined earlier in
this Plan, funding decisions boosting urban
canopy will have more support.
Implementation of the Action Plan and the
UFMP as a whole anticipates the addition of
a full-time Urban Forester within the next
three years. This person will be dedicated to
advancing the Action Plan through
stakeholder engagement programs and
improving communication and coordination
within the city.
Private and public property action
documents focus on specific components of
the Action Plan, but there are actions which
apply to all programs including the
subsequent public and private property
suggestions.
Public Property:
 Budget for proper care, replacement,
and planting of trees.
 Create an internal City of Tempe cross-
departmental Urban Forest Committee
by 2017. Meet monthly to advance goals
outlined in the UFMP.
 Identify maintenance schedules for
each major type of tree species and
develop a reference manual on care.
 Conduct tree canopy surveys every five
years.
 Identify what aspects of mechanized
tree maintenance can be done without
fossil fuel powered machines in order to
reduce operation emissions and
operating cost.
Private Property:
 Create interactive online map of city-
managed trees and those that are the
responsibility of residents, HOAs, and
businesses.
 Maintain city website with information for
residents, businesses, and landscaping
companies. Provide guidelines and
suggestions for tree care, pruning, and
neighborhood grants. Market updated
webpage by 2017.
 Expand neighborhood grant program
and streamline an option for tree
planting and care.

34. 30
The city, residents, businesses, and the
community need to plant 2,400 trees a year from
2017 to 2040, provide proper care, and replace
dead trees to reach 20% canopy coverage.
A ‘20-Minute City’ with a healthy urban
forest is achievable for Tempe, but it will
require additional resources, institutional
commitment, and a groundswell of resident
and community support. Based on staff
focus groups and workshops, infrastructure
and viewshed requirements historically take
priority over shade, walkability and urban
cooling.
A culture shift within City Hall is needed
so green infrastructure can assume an
important investment value within the city
and positively coexist with new and existing
buildings and infrastructure.
Taking into consideration the current state
of Tempe’s urban forest, potential future
scenarios, solution options, and the
proposed Action Plan, Tempe residents and
City staff can now better advocate for more
innovative shade and cooling strategies.
Strong support from city administrators,
staff, and residents will be required to
support a robust and effective plan.
Improving walkability while inspiring
collective action can create the walkable
shaded city we want to live in.

35. 31
Acknowledgements
This report was prepared by:
Alex Slaymaker, Project Assistant, Global Sustainability Solutions Services
Bonnie Richardson, Architect/ Principal Planner, City of Tempe
Dr. Ariane Middel, Data Analyst, Global Institute of Sustainability
Dr. Braden Kay, Project Manager, Global Sustainability Solutions Services
Andrea Levy, Project Assistant, Global Sustainability Solutions Services
Suzanne Jumper, Research Aide, Global Sustainability Solutions Services
Abby Johnson, Photographer, Master’s Sustainable Solutions Student, School of Sustainability
Additionally, the authors wish to acknowledge and thank those listed below. Their support and
input in this project and report was invaluable.
Don Bessler, Director, City of Tempe Department of Public Works
Dan O’Neill, General Manager, Global Sustainability Solutions Services, Walton Sustainability
Solutions Initiatives
Mick Dalrymple, Director, University Sustainability Practices
Anne Reichman, Program Manager, Sustainable Cities Network
Aryn Musgrave, Master’s Sustainable Solutions Student, School of Sustainability
Martin Smith, Master’s Sustainable Solutions Student, School of Sustainability
City of Tempe Staff, especially those who participated in workshops, meetings, and
review.

36. 32
Appendix
City of Tempe Proposed Goals and Targets ............................................................... ..33
Existing Forestry Programs......................................................................................... ..35
Tempe’s ‘ReLeaf City’ Program........................................................................ ..35
City of Tempe Internal Collaboration Opportunities..................................................... ..36
Related Plans and Policies.......................................................................................... ..36
Low Impact Development Tool Kit............................................................................... ..36
Master Urban Forester Program ................................................................................. ..37
i-Tree Analysis Information.......................................................................................... ..38
Supplemental Data...................................................................................................... ..39
Canopy Coverage per Census Tract................................................................ ..39
Annual Benefits of City-Managed Trees........................................................... ..40
Annual Economic Benefits by Diameter at Breast Height (DBH)...................... ..40
Annual Tree Planting Goal Assumptions.......................................................... ..40
Neighborhood Associations Map................................................................................. ..41
Photo Credits .............................................................................................................. ..43

37. 33

38. 34

39. 35
Existing Forestry Programs:
The Master Plan seeks to coordinate and enhance current forestry programs:
 Trees for Tempe:
This program replaces community trees damaged or lost due to storms. Residents can
make monetary contributions and donations of time. There is no minimum dollar amount
required to donate. Residents, organizations and local businesses can also donate their
time to replant the trees.
 Living Tree Memorial Program:
Residents can honor a loved one with the planting of a 24-inch box ash, oak, elm, or
similar species most suitable for the desired location chosen by a resident. This program
includes care and maintenance for the tree, a certificate of recognition, and an engraved
brass leaf displayed at the Parks and Recreation Office or a golf course.
 Adopt-a-Path, a-Park, an-Alley, a-Street:
These programs offer neighborhood groups, community organizations and local
businesses an opportunity to help enhance the appearance, safety and cleanliness of
these important amenities.
 Storefront Improvement:
Program helps revitalize commercial buildings, support small businesses, reduce code
violations and enhance the livability of neighborhoods by waiving fees, expediting city
review of plans and providing matching funds in some cases.
Tempe’s ‘ReLeaf City’ Program:
On December 3, 2015, Council was asked to adopt a Resolution authorizing the City Council to
approve and the Mayor to accept a grant from American Forests for the City of Tempe’s Urban
Forest and the designation of the City of Tempe as a Community ‘ReLeaf City’. The amount of
the grant is approximately $100,000 with no city matching funds required.
Receiving a grant from American Forests is an opportunity to gain additional expertise in looking
at the challenges specific to maintaining trees and shade in the urban desert. American Forests
is dedicated to the assessment, restoration and monitoring of urban forests. Their process
evaluates loss of trees due to storms, flash floods, etc., provides funding for replanting trees,
and addresses proper irrigation and storm water management. American Forests also assists
with community tree events and works with local partners and the city to address long-term
management of the urban forest.
This American Forest grant allows Tempe to quickly begin implementation of the UFMP and
Action Plan. The Tempe ReLeaf City Program will utilize the research and principles of the Plan,
providing additional analysis with specific focus on trees lost to storms, invasive species, etc. It
also provides Tempe with a local partner, Bank of America, and assists in helping Tempe
strategize funding for long term tree care. Tempe’s intent is to focus the ReLeaf grant in the Rio
Salado Park area; specifically replanting many of the trees lost in the severe 2015 storm at the
Tempe Center for the Arts.

40. 36
In conjunction with this program, we are also proposing a pilot project to remove some of the
invasive species of trees in the Rio Salado/Papago Park area of Tempe, replacing them with
native species in the ‘Tall Pots’ Planting Program developed by Maricopa County Flood Control
District. Implementing this pilot program allows Tempe to evaluate a new approach to planting
desert trees that may thrive better without a dedicated water source while also improving the
health of our urban forest.
City of Tempe Internal Collaboration Opportunities:
The MUFP anticipates coordination with existing programs across departments including:
 Tree Planting/Neighborhood Grants
 Community Gardens
 Energy Initiatives
 Character Area Plans
 ADA Accessibility Transition Plan
Related Plans and Policies:
 Desert Parks Management Plan
 Downtown/Lake Street Tree Plan
 Tempe Butte Master Plan and Management Plan
 Transportation Tree & Landscape Maintenance Plan
 Tempe Urban Open Space Plan
 Tempe Rio Salado Parks Management Plan
Low Impact Development Tool Kit:
http://www.mesaaz.gov/home/showdocument?id=14999

41. 37
Master Urban Forester Program:
A community engagement and empowerment program should be launched with the adoption of
the UFMP and Action Plan in order to build community buy-in and help spread change without
relying on additional city personnel.
This proposed program parallels a definition for community-based learning developed by the
Stanford University Haas Center for Public Service:
‘…engagement with a community that addresses societal needs not currently being met
by governments, markets, or the independent sector; intentional integration of learning
objectives and experience with/in the community; student preparation, ongoing
reflection, and critical analysis; reciprocal benefits for students, community, and campus
partners; opportunities to critically examine public issues or explore one's civic identity."
The Master Urban Forester Program is designed to foster empowering knowledge, skills,
experiences, and connections focused on helping citizens bolster tree and shade coverage in
Tempe. After completing the program, Master Urban Foresters will mobilize efforts within their
own neighborhoods and advocate for the beautification, increased walkability, and improved
comfort provided by trees. Through a robust offering of activities, training, tours, lectures,
volunteer opportunities and discussions; community members engaged in the Master Urban
Forester program will be prepared to make long-lasting positive change in their community.
Each class will include either a tour or speaker, group discussion, and an opportunity to de-brief.
Volunteering and take-home activities will be done outside class. Furthermore, this program will
serve as a platform for people from different backgrounds and communities to connect and
learn together. This program was designed by students at ASU’s School of Sustainability in Fall
2016.

42. 38
Data Analysis Information:
i-Tree uses analyses of how trees impact property values to put a price tag on the aesthetic
benefits of the trees. Information on how aesthetic value is calculated in i-Tree:
https://www.itreetools.org/streets/resources/Influence_of_Trees_on_Residential_Properties_An
derson_Cordell.pdf
For more detail on i-Tree assumptions please view the following documents:
https://www.itreetools.org/streets/resources/Streets_Reference_Cities_Science_Update_Nov20
11.pdf
https://www.itreetools.org/streets/resources/A%20Practical%20Approach%20to%20Assessing%
20Street%20Trees.pdf
https://www.itreetools.org/streets/resources/Selecting%20Ref%20Cities%20for%20iTree%20ST
reets%20McPherson%20AUF.pdf
https://www.itreetools.org/streets/resources/Influence_of_Trees_on_Residential_Properties_An
derson_Cordell.pdf
City-wide tree canopy cover was calculated using the 4 Band NAIP Land Classification of
Central Arizona*: CAP LTER, by the Environmental Remote Sensing and Geoinformatics Lab,
ASU, 2012. This project was primarily supported by the National Science Foundation under
Grant No. BCS-1026865, Central Arizona–Phoenix Long-Term Ecological Research (CAP
LTER) and undertaken through its affiliated Environmental Remote Sensing and Geoinformatics
Lab (ERSG). Additional support was furnished by the Gilbert F. White Environment and Society
endowment.

43. 39
TreeCanopyCoverinTempe
perCensusTract
6
Census
Tract
No.
canopy
cover
[%]
canopy
cover
[acres]
31960020.2128
31980014.993
31950016.3104
31990612.880
31990810.565
31940316.3107
31990212.777
31880010.365
3191017.86
31890017.1109
31850110.733
31990318.9125
3197049.0173
31990725.8165
31990415.096
31900021.5137
31990914.795
3187005.030
32000115.077
Census
Tract
No.
canopy
cover
[%]
canopy
cover
[acres]
3201008.194
31970612.442
3197056.864
3192029.531
4212016.95
31920111.939
31910414.646
31910313.833
31970310.873
31940114.898
31940413.968
3184006.8125
31930011.230
81010024.2300
81000014.795
31940215.6101
31991014.6237
31990516.4106
32000712.462
TreeCanopyCoverinTempe
perCensusTract
6
Census
Tract
No.
canopy
cover
[%]
canopy
cover
[acres]
31960020.2128
31980014.993
31950016.3104
31990612.880
31990810.565
31940316.3107
31990212.777
31880010.365
3191017.86
31890017.1109
31850110.733
31990318.9125
3197049.0173
31990725.8165
31990415.096
31900021.5137
31990914.795
3187005.030
32000115.077
Census
Tract
No.
canopy
cover
[%]
canopy
cover
[acres]
3201008.194
31970612.442
3197056.864
3192029.531
4212016.95
31920111.939
31910414.646
31910313.833
31970310.873
31940114.898
31940413.968
3184006.8125
31930011.230
81010024.2300
81000014.795
31940215.6101
31991014.6237
31990516.4106
32000712.462
CanopyCoverageperCensusTract
TreeCanopyCoverinTempe
perCensusTract
6
Census
Tract
No.
canopy
cover
[%]
canopy
cover
[acres]
31960020.2128
31980014.993
31950016.3104
31990612.880
31990810.565
31940316.3107
31990212.777
31880010.365
3191017.86
31890017.1109
31850110.733
31990318.9125
3197049.0173
31990725.8165
31990415.096
31900021.5137
31990914.795
3187005.030
32000115.077
Census
Tract
No.
canopy
cover
[%]
canopy
cover
[acres]
3201008.194
31970612.442
3197056.864
3192029.531
4212016.95
31920111.939
31910414.646
31910313.833
31970310.873
31940114.898
31940413.968
3184006.8125
31930011.230
81010024.2300
81000014.795
31940215.6101
31991014.6237
31990516.4106
32000712.462
Supplemental Data:
This section includes data supporting claims made in the Current State. All data analysis was
conducted by Dr. Ariane Middel during 2015 and 2016.

44. 40
Annual Tree Planting Goal Assumptions:
City-managed canopy coverage (19,450 trees = 2.38%) can be extrapolated to find
approximately 54,000 additional trees are required to fill the gap between 13.4% and 20%
(6.6%). However, all planted trees will not survive, so the number of additional trees that will
need to be planted by 2040 was increased to 55,000.
Annual Benefits of City Managed Trees
Benefit
Types
Energy CO
Air
Quality
Storm-
water
Aesthetic/
Other
Total
Total
(19,450 trees)
$138,949 $7,264 $50,567 $43,671 $1,158,614 $1,399,065
Total +
Growth
$163,234 $8,475 $62,119 $52,161 $1,255,214 $1,541,204
Annual Economic Benefits by Diameter at Breast Height (DBH)
Energy Carbon Air Quality
Storm
water
Aesthetic/
Other
Total Value
Species
0-6"
DBH
12-
18"
DBH
0-6"
DBH
12-
18"
DBH
0-6"
DBH
12-
18"
DBH
0-6"
DBH
12-
18"
DBH
0-6"
DBH
12-18"
DBH
0-6"
DBH
12-18"
DBH
Chinese
Elm
5.72 37.97 0.19 1.11 2.17 22.45 1.16 9.14 73.75 225.17 $82.98 $295.84
Desert
Willow
2.00 15.88 0.08 0.45 0.15 4.15 0.31 2.34 17.79 61.59 $20.33 $84.40
Live Oak 2.90 17.52 0.33 2.54 -1.72 -8.95 0.96 6.12 35.84 162.94 $38.30 $180.16
Mesquite 3.80 20.33 0.21 0.82 1.24 9.92 1.09 6.38 64.45 133.87 $70.79 $171.32
Paloverde 4.27 24.34 0.15 1.10 1.28 12.43 1.09 6.75 41.68 155.42 $48.46 $200.05
Chinese
Pistache
2.66 22.26 0.11 0.45 -0.11 5.51 0.57 5.00 43.04 67.52 $46.27 $100.74

45. 41

46. 42

47. 43
Photo Credits:
Tree with hand canopy:
http://www.socialmediatoday.com/sites/default/files/post_main_images/tree.jpg
Kids planting tree with mothers:
http://azcitieswork.com/wp-content/uploads/2014/11/superbowl3.jpg
Mill Ave with ASU building:
http://www.eastvalleytribune.com/local/tempe/article_5fe9d97a-e3ac-11df-b1ae-
001cc4c03286.html?mode=image&photo=1
Kids planting tree:
http://www.tempe.gov/Home/ShowImage?id=16125&t=635646957233930000
Kids running to plant trees:
http://images.nationalgeographic.com/wpf/media-live/photos/000/044/cache/kids-running-
trees_4491_600x450.jpg?01AD=3NfcULFjg7QWYKcsCEvodKGDku_SrTLIS2Wmgv2wtF-
COEzXuggnkRQ&01RI=00BC53BE6054CA4&01NA=
Cyclists:
http://www.downtowntempe.com/_img/home-image-failover.jpg
Mesquite pods:
http://ecosalon.com/wp-content/uploads/2009/07/mesquite.jpg
All other photos are from Abby Johnson and Suzanne Jumper.

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