Just Say NO…to Volcano Mulching!
Mulching can be one of the best practices for ensuring tree health, but if done incorrectly, can also be one of its biggest threats! Learn about why mulching is good for trees, and get proper mulching techniques to help your tree thrive.
Tree Rebate Program
Participate in our Tree Rebate Program and save 40% (up to $80) on the purchase of any shade tree! A tree is a beautiful asset to your yard and you’ll be helping to save Louisville’s tree canopy.
Why Trees?
“That tree — and the 6.2 million other trees in our city across all 400 square miles of Louisville — are just as vital as our roads and our bridges — a tree is a significant contributor to our city’s infrastructure. Trees bring significant value to our city and its citizens.”
Read a statement from Mayor Greg Fischer
Have you planted a tree today?
Residents, businesses and visitors of Louisville are privileged to be in an area rich in natural resources and beauty.
Recently, however, tree canopy loss and urban heat island effects have become a concern.
Tree Canopy Study
As of 2012 the Louisville urban tree canopy (UTC) cover is 37% (just over 94,000 acres). Within the urban core, tree canopy cover is just 26%. The study examined a large amount of data and trends related to Louisville’s tree canopy and land use.
If large parks like Jefferson Memorial Forest, the Parklands of Floyd’s Fork, Iroquois, and Cherokee Park are excluded, urban tree canopy across all of Louisville may be closer to 30%.
Why are trees important?
Trees are a valuable part of our infrastructure. Trees improve air quality, absorb storm water, prevent erosion, provide wildlife habitat, moderate temperatures,
provide energy savings, and reduce noise levels.
Trees create stronger, more positive communities with safer streets, less crime, successful business districts, higher property values and lead to healthier citizens.
Canopy Percentage by Land Use
It is the home and business land holders that stand to have the greatest impact on the urban canopy cover in Louisville.
As a property owner, you can make a choice to support the tree canopy in Louisville in may different ways. In this chart, you can see that the greatest percentage of land in Jefferson County is these two types of property owners.
Land Use In Jefferson County
This chart shows the distribution of different property types in Jefferson County.
How can you help?
As a property owner, there is a lot you can do to impact the tree canopy in Louisville.
Canopy Coverage in Your Neighborhood
The 78 neighborhoods within the old city boundaries of Louisville have a combined canopy cover of just 26%. How does your neighborhood stack up?
Most Coverage
- Iroquois Park = 68%
- Cherokee Park = 55%
- Cherokee Gardens = 53%
- Brownsboro Zorn = 51%
- Audubon Park = 48%
Least Coverage
- University = 11%
- Phoenix Hill = 11%
- Central Business District = 8%
- Fairgrounds = 6%
- Standiford = 3%
See how your neighborhood ranks by viewing the Tree Canopy study on the Metro Louisville website.
Can you get more involved?
Overall, Louisville’s existing canopy provides its residents with almost $330 million in benefits annually. On top of the annual benefits, carbon stored over the lifetime of Louisville’s trees contributes an additional $230 million in benefits. Contact us to learn how you can help today!