In 2001, the city of Greensboro conducted a study about the city’s tree canopy.  The study found between 1984 and 2000, Greensboro lost 18 percent of its tree canopy. One area that showed the most loss of greenery is along the I-40 Corridor and around the Piedmont Triad International Airport. City officials say several road construction and expansion projects in this area have impacted the number of trees.

Trees are important parts of our ecosystem. They help filter the air and pollutants from the water. They provide shade and increase land values.

In 2008, researchers at N.C. State used aerial photographs and other measurements to find out more about the city’s tree population.   

“The city conducted a tree canopy study and showed that our tree canopy was in the 38 percent range, that's tree canopy coverage. A group known as the American Forest says a healthy city’s tree canopy should be more in the 42 to 44 percent range,” said Randal Romie, with Greensboro Beautiful Inc. 

City officials have been are working with Greensboro Beautiful to replace the loss of tree canopy. A program called NeighborWoods Grant provides up to 150 trees and mulch for one neighborhood each year. Romie says the city currently is accepting applications for this year’s program. 

“Once selected, we meet with the neighborhood and conduct a survey and find out who in the neighborhood wants trees and we look at where they want them. We ask people if they want Canopy or Understory trees and some of that depends on where they are going to go,” says Romie.

NeighborWoods representatives also work with residents to educate and assist them with the planting and maintenance of the trees.

Romie says more than 1,500 trees have been planted throughout the city over the past ten years. Volunteers with the program have planted a variety of trees including Maple, Oak, Dogwoods, and Red Buds.

“We also have another program called the Memorial & Honor and Tree program where someone can sponsor a tree planted in the city in honor of someone graduating from high school, a birthday or in memory of a loved one who has died. They receive a nice letter and acknowledgement of where their tree is planted in the city, says Romie.

Funding for the NeighborWoods program is provided through corporate and private donations made to the Greensboro Beautiful Tree Fund.

Anyone interested in providing funds to purchase trees and mulch for the program should contact Greensboro Beautiful at 336-373-2199. 

Applications are available on the City’s website at http://www.greensboro-nc.gov/neighborwoods and are due by June 30, 2013.