Source: Next City
https://nextcity.org/daily/entry/urban-trees-lets-grow-old-together
Charlotte's trees build stronger and more vibrant communities.
The Challenge The City of Charlotte is constantly seeking new ways to connect residents with the community. Deteriorating infrastructure and a lack of aesthetic appeal in some areas complicate this challenging endeavor.
The Solution Tree-lined streets can create stronger communities and attract new residents. While less quantifiable, the tree benefits related to community building are no less important than other services.
One study showed that residents of apartment buildings surrounded by trees reported knowing their neighbors better, socializing with them more often, having stronger community, and feeling safer and better adjusted than did residents of more barren, but otherwise identical areas (Kuo 2001b).
According to studies released by the Pennsylvania Horticultural Society, the greening of neighborhoods increase surrounding property values, encourage investment, reduce crime and vandalism, and encourage exercise (which in turn reduces stress). All of these improvements contribute to building a better community (PHS 2015).
The City of Charlotte is working to foster the development of vibrant places to work and live within the city. Strong neighborhoods with tree-lined streets, meeting places, parks, libraries, and public transit can make the highly-desired low-consumption lifestyles more affordable, convenient, and attractive. What Charlotte Residents are Saying About Trees in Their Community:
"Trees add unity to a community. Lots of communities all over the world use trees as landmarks and gathering places." "Creates a sense of place for my neighborhood and my City. [I] Always know I am home when I am flying back to Charlotte as soon as I can see the tree line from the air."
"I have loved the big, old trees of neighborhoods such as Camp Greene, Myers Parks, etc. since I was a child and would love for them to be preserved for future generations. There is something very special and peaceful about driving through a canopy of trees; and it is something that cannot be created or replaced over a lifetime."
The City of Charlotte is working to foster the development of vibrant places to work and live within the city. Neighborhoods with tree-lined streets, meeting places, parks, libraries, and public transit can make the highly-desired low-consumption lifestyles more affordable, convenient, and attractive.