What is a Street Tree?
Street Trees are Public Trees
"Public Trees" include trees growing within the public rights-of-way as well as trees growing in parks and on other public property. The right-of-way is a strip of land set aside for public uses such as streets, alleys, sidewalks, and utilities. Right-of-way widths vary from street to street. To determine whether or not a tree is growing within the right-of-way, contact the city's Urban Forester - phone (208) 292-5766.
The owners of the private real property that abuts the rights-of-way, also called the "Controllers", share with the city a responsibility for the stewardship of the city's street trees. By maintaining those trees within the right-of-way adjacent to their property, the Controllers contribute to the beauty of the city's streets.
What is the Urban Forest?
Like streets, sidewalks, sewer systems, and other public infrastructure, trees have a measurable value. Unlike other public infrastructure, trees actually increase in value over time. Trees are living and need ongoing care to ensure that residents receive the maximum benefits of the resource.
The purpose of Coeur d'Alene's urban forestry program is to preserve, protect, maintain, and enlarge the urban forest of Coeur d'Alene and to thereby enhance the natural beauty and quality of life in the City.
Why Are Street Trees Important?
Street trees are especially beneficial to communities. Because of their strategic location, they are important for their ability to trap and convert pollutants produced by vehicles and to muffle noise. They also mitigate the "heat island" effect of pavement, which absorbs, stores, and radiates thermal energy. Street trees prevent heat absorption by shading, and actually reduce air temperature by transpiring (evaporating water through the leaves).
How Many Street Trees Does Coeur d’Alene Have?
An inventory of trees growing within Coeur d’Alene’s rights-of-way in 1994 recorded information about 8,850 trees. Current numbers are up to 21,000 trees. This growth in numbers is mostly due to annexations and new developments.
How Many Street Trees Do We Need?
It is probably not possible, or desirable, to have 100% "stocking" of trees within the rights-of-way. There are places where large trees on private property leave little room for street trees; trees close to street intersections can sometimes cause traffic visibility problems; and we all want our vegetable gardens to get sunlight. However, doubling our street tree population would be quite possible and would benefit our community environment. The conservation group "American Forests" recommends an overall average of 40% tree cover within urban/suburban areas.
What Is The Most Common Public Tree?
2017 inventory records of all public trees (street trees and park trees), here are the top ten:
- Maple (25.1%)
- Pine (16.1%)
- Cherry/Plum (9.9%)
- Ash (6.3%)
- Flowering Pear (5.2%)
- Honeylocust (4.4%)
- Spruce (3.3%)
- Linden (2.8%)
- Oak (2.5%)
- Crabapple (2.5%)
There are over 80 trees on the Approved Street Tree List (PDF) that could be planted within the right-of-way. For both health and aesthetic reasons, the City’s Urban Forestry Committee is promoting more diversity in tree species for planting.
What Do I Need to Do to Plant Trees Within the Right-of-Way?
A permit is needed to plant trees within the rights-of-way. The permit is free, and with it comes important information about trees that have good street-side habits, how to select the right tree for the right place, recommendations on spacing, and planting tips. You can receive a free planting permit by contacting the Parks Department or submitting a Permit Request (PDF).
Public tree removal without a permit is a violation of the city ordinance and can result in a misdemeanor penalty in addition to a fine in the amount of the appraised tree value.
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