Obetz Launches Tree Improvement Project

The City of Obetz is proud to announce the launch of the Tree Improvement Project, aimed at increasing our community’s tree canopy and addressing critical environmental challenges. This initiative aligns with our goal of making Obetz a healthier, more equitable, and resilient city for all residents.

Project Scope

Currently, Obetz, like much of Central Ohio, has only about 22% tree canopy coverage. Central Ohio is the fastest-growing urban heat island among the 60 largest U.S. cities, and with a projected population growth to 3 million by 2050, the risks of further canopy loss due to development are significant. Our city recognizes the many environmental, social, and health benefits of trees, and we are committed to preserving and growing our canopy.

We are excited to share that the City of Obetz was awarded a $100,000 grant from the U.S. Department of Agriculture’s Forest Service. These funds will support the comprehensive implementation of a street tree program across eligible residential neighborhoods, addressing the following challenges:

  1. Loss of Existing Canopy: With exponential population growth and development, tree cover in Obetz is at risk. Our goal is to plant appropriate street trees throughout residential neighborhoods to curb canopy loss.
  2. Rising Heat Levels: Central Ohio’s rapid transformation into a heat island threatens public health and safety. Expanding the tree canopy will help cool our community.
  3. Public Health Benefits: Increased canopy coverage will help combat air quality issues, reduce the risk of chronic health conditions, and improve overall community well-being.
  4. Climate Resilience: As climate change intensifies, with more severe storms, floods, and heat waves, a stronger tree canopy will make our city more adaptable and resilient.
  5. Equitable Tree Distribution: Tree canopy distribution is currently inequitable, with some neighborhoods having as little as 9% canopy, while others have up to 41%. This disparity means that not all residents experience the same health and environmental benefits. Our project ensures trees will be planted in neighborhoods where they are most needed.
  6. Establishing Food Forests: The project will include the creation of food forests across the city, providing residents with access to free fresh fruits and nuts.
  7. Pollution Reduction: Increased tree canopy will help reduce particulate pollution (PM2.5) in our air. Areas such as Dixon Quarry and McFayden Park are above the 80th percentile for PM2.5 exposure and increasing tree cover in these parks will directly benefit the health of our community.
  8. Mitigating Toxic Releases: Trees play a crucial role in absorbing and filtering out toxic pollutants. The southern portion of Obetz, including our 41-acre disc golf course and a new 400-home neighborhood, is particularly affected by toxic releases, and the added canopy will help improve air quality for residents.

 

Implementation Strategy

Our goal is to line every residential street with the appropriate trees to create a thriving, sustainable environment. The project will begin with a thorough site analysis, determining the best species for specific areas while considering existing trees, structures, and utilities. Residents will be responsible for watering the newly planted trees. The City will continue to plant street trees in other parts of Obetz as the program progresses.

 

Conclusion

The City of Obetz is committed to growing our tree canopy, improving public health, and making our community more resilient to future environmental challenges. This initiative will foster a healthier, more inclusive environment for all residents, ensuring that every neighborhood can benefit from the many advantages of a robust tree canopy.

For more information on the City of Obetz Tree Improvement Project, please contact Jess Griffith, Assistant Safety Director, at jgriffith@obetz.oh.us, or Stacey Boumis, Director of Community Services, at sboumis@obetz.oh.us.

If you are interested in having a tree placed in your yard, please fill out the survey at this link: https://www.surveymonkey.com/r/ObetzTreeCanopy.

Together, we can create a greener, healthier Obetz!