Tree Advisory Committee

REGULAR MEETING – TREE ADVISORY COMMITTEE AGENDA MARCH 25, 2025, 6:00 PM BY ZOOM VIRTUAL MEETING To allow public access, anyone may access a meeting by telephone and/or Zoom, or a recording in the City of Norwalk YouTube channel. Specific instructions and links can be found at norwalkct.gov/meetings. Members of the public may call in to participate. Callers will not be able to see the meeting participants. All participants will be muted upon entering the meeting. To speak, dial *9 on the phone and you will be called on by the host of the meeting during the public comment section. All speakers must state their name and address. Comments must be on a topic on the agenda, and are limited to three minutes. Anyone disrupting the orderly conduct of the meeting, including by using threatening, hateful, or sexually-explicit language, will be removed. Please find the information using the link above. Members of the public who wish to provide "live comments" may also use the Zoom meeting platform. All participants will be muted upon entering the meeting. To speak, click the “raise your hand indicator” and you will be called by the host of the meeting during the public comment section. All speakers must state their name and address. Comments must be on a topic on the agenda, and are limited to three minutes. Anyone disrupting the orderly conduct of the meeting, including by using threatening, hateful, or sexually-explicit language, will be removed. Please find the information using the link above. Members of the public who wish to provide public comment are encouraged to submit those via email in advance of the meeting. For these comments to be included into the record, they must be submitted by 12:00 p.m. the day of the meeting. Please email Dilene Byrd at dbyrd@norwalkct.gov with the subject line “Public Comment” to provide written public comment prior to the meeting. I. CALL TO ORDER II. ROLL CALL III. PUBLIC PARTICIPATION IV. ACCEPTANCE OF MINUTES A. Approval of Minutes of the Regular Meetings: November 26 2025, February 25 2025 V. REPORTS A. Tree Master Plan: Workshops and Feedback VI. OLD BUSINESS VII. NEW BUSINESS Page 1 of 168  A. Arbor Day Celebration 2025: Cranbury Elementary School Friday, April 25th (Arbor Day) B. Arbor Day Cleanup 2025 Location: NRVT at 40 Cross St Wednesday April 23, 2025 C. Planting List and Species Selection D. SONO School - Opportunities for Tree Planting VIII. ADJOURNMENT UPCOMING MEETINGS Tuesday April 22, 2025 Page 2 of 168  TREE ADVISORY COMMITTEE AGENDA FEBRUARY 25, 2025, AT 6:00 PM. BY ZOOM VIRTUAL MEETING To allow public access, anyone may access a meeting by telephone, Zoom, and/or the City of Norwalk YouTube channel. Specific instructions and links can be found at : norwalkct.org/meetings Members of the public can call in and listen to a meeting. They will not be able to speak or see any of the meeting participants. Each meeting will use a unique Meeting/Webinar ID. Please find the information using the link above. Members of the public who wish to provide "live comments" will need to register in advance and use the Zoom meeting platform. All participants will be muted upon entering the meeting. To speak, click the “raise your hand indicator” and you will called on by the host of the meeting during the public comment section. Please find the information using the link above. Members of the public who wish to view the meeting, but are not participating, can view a live stream on the City of Norwalk YouTube channel. This stream is delayed by approximately 20 seconds. Please find the information using the link above. The meeting recording and minutes will be posted on the City of Norwalk website within seven (7) days after the meeting. Members of the public who wish to provide public comment are encouraged to submit those via email in advance of the meeting. For these comments to be read into the record, they should be submitted at least three hours in advance of the meeting start time. Please email Dilene Byrd at dbyrd@norwalkct.gov to provide written public comment prior to the meeting. Attendance: Erica Kipp, Chair Richard Whitehead, Vice Chair Peter Viteretto Gay MacLeod Staff: Paul Sotnik, Deputy Tree Warden Sarah Cruz, Arborist/ Horticulturalist Others: Jeff Scheer, Matthew Hellman, Transmission Arborist, Vegetation Management, Eversource Sam Berg, Eversource Page 3 of 168  1. CALL TO ORDER Mr. Whitehead called the meeting to order at 6:00 PM. II. ROLL CALL Ms. Cruz called the roll, and all listed on the attendance were present. III. PUBLIC PARTICIPATION A. Guests at committee meetings may speak to any item on the agenda. (Comments shall be limited to no more than three (3) minutes per speaker.) There were no public comments this evening. IV. ACCEPTANCE OF MINUTES A. Approve the minutes of the January 28th, Tree Advisory Committee meeting. **MS. MACLEOD MOVED TO APPROVE THE MINUTES AS AMENDED. ** MR. VITERETTO SECONDED THE MOTION. ** THE MOTION PASSED UNANIMOUSLY. V. REPORTS A. 2025 Eversource Distribution Tree Trimming Permit Mr. Berg reported on the scheduled maintenance trimming for 2025 and said it is very light this year. There will be approximately 16 miles, compared to almost 80 miles last year, so it will not be extensive. Mr. Sotnik said that staff met with Eversource on January 22, 2025, to review and issue the permit. Mr. Berg presented the mapping for the permit that was issued. The backbone mileage for the three-phased lines will be 7 ½ miles, and the lateral mileage will be 4.3 miles, so there is just over 11 miles total of tree trimming for the area. He shared the circuit areas they will work in and that they have started in the substation at Route 123 and New Canaan Avenue. Lewis Tree Company will be doing the trimming, and the process has not changed. They will get consent from the neighboring abutting properties for the work. Mr. Whitehead asked why there was such a decrease in the trimming this year. Mr. Berg said the trimming is done on a four-year rotation and cycles through, so some of the towns that are heavy Page 4 of 168  this year will be lighter next year, and the other towns that are lighter this year will be heavier next year. He said they also select circuits within that cycle that are performing poorly based on historical outage data that is tree related. Mr. Viteretto said that, in his opinion, the three-phased lines in the Silvermine area are done regularly and that the committee is cognizant about maintaining tree canopy. He asked how Eversource has input into the tree management plan so we will know how to create streetscapes that can work with the high-tension power lines because we have not seen that happen. We have spoken with Eversource over several years on managing and planning tree canopy cover, so they are not in conflict with any of the power lines, particularly the high-power lines, which are more critical to larger groups of people. Mr. Berg said planning and species selection will help progress in the future, but trees are on their timeline and will take a long time to grow and get to a canopy cover. As a joint effort, managing those trees on the city and Eversource’s sides is another answer, and noted that ground to sky pruning no longer exists for roadside distribution. Mr. Viteretto said he thinks it may be more about looking at planting trees on the opposite sides of the streets as well, and we work with Eversource on some level. He said that selective removal at the ground level of the trees that will eventually affect the power lines is not discussed much. He asked if there is a way to strategize where we go down to the ground and think about what our long-term should be. Mr. Berg said that location means a lot and suggested looking at and walking to those locations and seeing what can be done together. Mr. Scheer said that the Norwalk Tree Alliance is happy to partner with the city and Eversource to help with the education and outreach piece. Mr. Sotnik said the mapping and permit will be posted on the website. B. 2025 Eversource Transmission Tree Trimming Permit Mr. Hellman said he manages the vegetation underneath the transmission lines for southwest Connecticut. This year, a maintenance project on the transmission lines goes over the Metro- North railroad through the City of Norwalk. He shared the map, provided an overview, and said it is approximately 4 ½ miles, and the transmission lines are on the north and south side of the Metro North train tracks for most of the lines in Norwalk. The scope of work for the maintenance entails removing trees and removing the incompatibles within 25’ from the outside conductor. Their cycles run on a 4-year cycle, and even though the last cycle just ended in 2023, we are starting the 4-year cycle because of this project. This year, we will just be pruning new growth and cutting the saplings, which will not significantly impact the town. The work will go much faster, and we will begin working in Norwalk within the next month. Mr. Hellman discussed the outreach efforts and said a letter will be sent to all the butters describing work occurring and attempts to meet with property owners to review the scope of work on or near their property. He said if anyone has any questions, they can call 888-673-9943 or email ctvegmaintenance@eversource.com Mr. Viteretto said there is an opportunity to team with the public sector to underplant the margin to improve its appearance and ecological stability. Mr. Hellman noted this project is unique because it is on the CTDOT property. Page 5 of 168  Mr. Sotnik said that staff also met with Mr. Hellman on January 22nd, and the permit was issued and will now be posted on the website. VI. OLD BUSINESS There was no old business discussed. VI. NEW BUSINESS A. ANNOUNCEMENT: TREE MASTER PLAN DRAFT TRE MASTER PLAN NOW AVAILABLE ONLINE: HTTPS://WWW.NORWALKCT.GOV/3649/TREE-MASTER-PLAN - PUBLIC PARTICIPATION AND WORKSHOP COMING IN MARCH Mr. Whitehead said that Arbor Day is April 25th and will be doing Arbor Day cleanup with the local tree companies and working on the NRVT as we have in the last couple of years. Last year, the northern section was done along Riverside Avenue, and two years ago, the southern section was done. This year, the center section will be targeted, meeting at 40 Cross Street, and doing the trees along the river. He noted that this is not a public event and will be closing the section of the trail where they will be working. We are at the preliminary planning stages but are targeting Wednesday, April 23, 2025, so as not to conflict with Arbor Day or Earth Day celebrations. He said he will provide the committee with an update at the next meeting. Ms. Kipp said Earth Day event on the green will be held on Saturday, April 26, 2025. Mr. Sotnik said that Ms. Cruz has been working with the planning committee and attending the bi-weekly meetings. Ms. Kipp noted that the registration form is due by April 3, 2025. Ms. Cruz said the workshop for the Tree Master Plan is scheduled for March 20, 2025, in the Community Room at City Hall and will be held from 5:00 PM to 7:00 PM and will focus on how to implement the strategies recommendations in the Master Plan, and will be looking at the tree planting strategies and will also be doing an educational activity and discussing maintenance as there are over an estimated 25,000 public trees in Norwalk. She said the link is now posted on the city’s website, and any updates would be provided there. She said the day prior, there would be an internal workshop between 1:00 PM and 3:00 PM at city hall and invited the committee members to attend. She noted that Eversource is an essential stakeholder in the plan, as are any other agencies interacting with trees in the city. She plans to reach out to get as much engagement as possible. She noted that the plan is available in draft form on the website. Mr. Whitehead hopes Eversource will participate in the Arbor Day cleanup event. Mr. Berg said they will donate two crews for the cleanup. Ms. Cruz said that Ms. MacLeod was officially sworn in as a member of the Tree Advisory Committee to fill the recent vacancy. Page 6 of 168  VII. ADJOURNMENT **MS. MACLEOD MOVED TO APPROVE THE MINUTES AS AMENDED. ** MR. VITERETTO SECONDED THE MOTION. ** THE MOTION PASSED UNANIMOUSLY. The meeting was adjourned 6:50 PM. UPCOMING MEETINGS MARCH 25, 2025 Respectfully submitted, Dilene Byrd Page 7 of 168  CITY OF NORWALK TREE ADVISORY COMMITTEE Norwalk City Hall 125 East Avenue, PO Box 5125 Room 225 TREE ADVISORY COMMITTEE MEETING November 26, 2024 ___________________________________________________________________________ To allow public access, anyone may access a meeting by telephone, Zoom, and/or the City of Norwalk YouTube channel. Specific instructions and links can be found at : norwalkct.org/meetings Members of the public can call in and listen to a meeting. They will not be able to speak or see any of the meeting participants. Each meeting will use a unique Meeting/Webinar ID. Please find the information using the link above. Members of the public who wish to provide "live comments" will need to register in advance and use the Zoom meeting platform. All participants will be muted upon entering the meeting. To speak, click the “raise your hand indicator” and you will called on by the host of the meeting during the public comment section. Please find the information using the link above. Members of the public who wish to view the meeting, but are not participating, can view a live stream on the City of Norwalk YouTube channel. This stream is delayed by approximately 20 seconds. Please find the information using the link above. The meeting recording and minutes will be posted on the City of Norwalk website within seven (7) days after the meeting. Members of the public who wish to provide public comment are encouraged to submit those via email in advance of the meeting. For these comments to be read into the record, they should be submitted at least three hours in advance of the meeting start time. Please email Dilene Byrd at dbyrd@norwalkct.gov to provide written public comment prior to the meeting. Attendance: Erica Kipp, Chair Richard Whitehead, Vice Chair Peter Viteretto 1 Page 8 of 168 Staff: Paul Sotnik, Deputy Tree Warden Sarah Cruz, Arborist/ Horticulturalist Chris Torre, Tree Warden Others: Jeff Scherr, President, Norwalk Tree Alliance Gay MacLeod, Tree Liaison 1. CALL TO ORDER Ms. Kipp called the meeting to order at 6:02 PM. 2. PUBLIC INPUT- GUESTS AT COMMITTEE MEETINGS MAY SPEAK TO ANY ITEM ON THE AGENDA. (COMMENTS SHALL BE LIMITED TO NO MORE THAN THREE (3) MINUTES PER SPEAKER.) There were no public comments this evening. 3. APPROVE MINUTES OF THE TREE ADVISORY COMMITTEE MEETING OF SEPTEMBER 24, 2024, AND OCTOBER 22, 2024 ** MR. WHITEHEAD MOVED TO APPROVE THE MINUTES AS SUBMITTED. ** MR. VITERETTO SECONDED THE MOTION. ** THE MOTION PASSED UNANIMOUSLY. 4. APPROVE THE SCHEDULE OF TREE ADVISORY COMMITTEE MEETINGS FOR THE CALENDAR YEAR OF 2025 Ms. Cruz said the next Tree Advisory Committee meeting is scheduled for December 24, 2024, and asked the committee if they would like to cancel it. The committee members all agreed to cancel the meeting. Ms. Kipp said the July meeting is generally canceled. Mr. Viteretto said he does not think it should be canceled to keep the process moving. Mr. Sotnik agreed and said that planting locations for September are generally discussed at the July meeting. ** MS. KIPP MOVED TO AMEND THE CALENDAR TO CANCEL THE TREE ADVISORY COMMITTEE MEETING ON DECEMBER 24, 2024, AND THE MEETING OF DECEMBER 23, 2025. ** MR. WHITEHEAD SECONDED THE MOTION. ** THE MOTION PASSED UNANIMOUSLY. ** MS. KIPP MOVED TO APPROVE THE MEETING CALENDAR AS AMENDED. 2 Page 9 of 168 ** MR. WHITEHEAD SECONDED THE MOTION. ** THE MOTION PASSED UNANIMOUSLY 5. CAPITAL /GRANT FUNDED TREE PLANTING PROGRAM a. Fall Planting i. Approx. 230 trees ii. The final count for the year will be approx. 450 Ms. Cruz provided an update and said approximately 230 trees were planted this fall, and a few more may still be planted. She said she worked with member Sonja Oliver to select planting locations at the condominiums at 15 Madison Avenue, where 15 trees were planted. There are folks there who would like additional trees planted and will try to get them planted this week. She said the final count is about 450 trees planted in calendar year 2024. i. All ARPA funding will be expended by the end of December ii. Due to grant requirements, most of the funding available for spring 2025 must be spent within certain areas of Norwalk. Ms. Cruz said that over 500 trees were planted the previous year, but as of this planting season, they will have expended all the available ARPA funding, which was a large source of funding to plant citywide. She said in the spring of 2025, the primary funding sources will be the grant for the MLK Corridor and the new funding from the Inflation Reduction Act grant that was received in the amount of one million dollars, so due to the funding availability, the planting for the spring season will be mostly in South Norwalk. Mr. Sotnik said that more funding will be put into the capital budget request for the rest of the city, for fiscal year 25- 26. iii. Begin planning a public campaign for locations Ms. Cruz said that Ms. Kipp had sent her an example of a postcard from Stamford where a campaign was created for specific neighborhoods to request a tree, and she thought that may be a good idea to entice people in South Norwalk where the right of way may only be a sidewalk and to request trees for a front yard or street-facing yard space. Ms. Kipp suggested that they be in both English and Spanish and distribute them so that people know about the Tree Advisory Committee and the program and venue to request a tree. Ms. Kipp said that Water Street floods a lot even when it is not raining and suggested it may be a great location to plant trees. Mr. Sotnik said that the area has been looked at in the past, but space is limited adjacent to the sidewalk, so locations would need to be on private property, and it is difficult to get people to allow that. Ms. Kipp suggested the area across the street from the marinas. Mr. Viteretto said there is a strategic piece to the brochures and outreach because what they have found in South Norwalk is that many of the properties are not owner-occupied. He said they will need to know where the committee wants the trees and how to strategically go to the property owners to connect them to the program. Ms. Kipp said the area she is referring to is 3 Page 10 of 168  not renting private houses, but buildings in South Norwalk. She suggested speaking to the building manager to get trees planted, which would probably fall under the MLK corridor. Mr. Viteretto suggested scheduling a work session to discuss the target areas. Mr. Scheer asked if the Norwalk Tree Alliance could work with the Tree Advisory Committee because they can also plant on private property and have run into similar roadblocks. Ms. Cruz asked Mr. Viteretto and Mr. Whitehead if they have had any experience with using structural soils for areas like this that experience a lot of salt water inundation because many of the trees planted on Water Street have failed. Mr. Viteretto said structural soils are meant to address soil compaction, and he has experience with that, but there needs to be enough soil in the ground, which is challenging. 6. TREE PLANTING CONTRACTS: WATERING REPORTS a. Minutemen Land Services b. Almstead Tree & Shrub Care Company Ms. Cruz said that Minutemen Landscaping and Almstead Tree have both reported that they have been watering in October and November. 7. TREE LAISON UPDATES Ms. MacLeod said that last week was the conclusion of her meeting with residents and staking locations, and as of the last meeting, she contributed to the planting of 42 trees for our residents. 8. REPORT-NTA ACTIVITIES Mr. Scheer said that on Sunday, December 1st there will be an open house at Fodor Farm from 4:30 PM to 6:00 PM and extended the invitation to the Tree Advisory Committee. Mr. Scheer said they continue tree planting and have planted approximately 80 trees this year and will finalize the number and send it to Mr. Sotnik and are looking forward to the 2025 planting season and that they have a lot of exciting ideas on how and where to plant trees throughout Norwalk and look forward to continue to work with the Tree Advisory Committee and other tree planting groups to better the tree canopy. 9. OTHER BUSINESS Mr. Viteretto asked why the two Ginko trees on Wall Street are not protected. He said they need to be protected during construction, and they are inside the construction fence and should be on the outside. Mr. Torre said he would contact Mr. Ireland. 4 Page 11 of 168 Ms. MacLeod said she would like the committee to explore adding the Black Cherry Tree to the list of trees to be considered for next year. It is a native tree and hosts many butterflies, moths, and bird species. It is adaptable to many types of soils. Mr. Sotnik said it is not in the current contract but would need to get a price on the trees and possibly do a change order. Ms. Cruz said the Black Cherry Tree is a naturalized species and is in the same category as the Black Walnut Tree that is on the city’s approved planting list, and if funding is going to be spent on a tree that is supposed to be great for canopy, a lot of the areas that they are planting in are more urbanized areas which wouldn’t be great for planting Black Cherry Trees. She is unclear of what the cost-benefit for that is and asked Mr. Viteretto for his thoughts. Mr. Viteretto said the Black Cherry Trees would be difficult to purchase and that the Hickories would be a better choice. Mr. Whitehead agreed and said that the availability would be a challenge. Mr. Scheer said that he has only found them in more naturalized areas as well. Ms. MacLeod asked if parks and cemeteries would be a better fit if the trees were available for purchase. Mr. Whitehead suggested contacting Almstead Tree to see the availability and if so, what the cost will be. 10. ADJOURNMENT ** MS. KIPP MOVED TO ADJOURN. ** MR. WHITEHEAD SECONDED THE MOTION. ** THE MOTION PASSED UNANIMOUSLY. The meeting was adjourned at 6:30 PM. Respectfully submitted, Dilene Byrd 5 Page 12 of 168 DRAFT TREE MASTER PLAN NORWALK, CONNECTICUT OCTOBER | 2024 Page 13 of 168 This page intentionally left blank Page 14 of 168 ACKNOWLEDGEMENTS Heading #2 Heading #3 Heading #4 HEADING #5 Back cover photo is courtesy of the Norwalk Tree Alliance All photos are from the City of Norwalk, CT unless otherwise noted A Note on Terminology: In this Plan, “City” will be capitalized when referring to the municipal government, while “city” without an initial capital letter will refer to the community as a geographic and socioeconomic entity. Note: This draft of the Tree Master Plan (TMP) provides initial visual elements like graphics and design, but the focus of this draft is to provide comprehensive content for initial review. This draft did not undergo an extensive review for errors. Upcoming drafts and the final TMP will likely be thoroughly reviewed, more concise, with clearer language, and will incorporate visuals to enhance clarity and understanding. Page 15 of 168 Picture Page 16 of 168 EXECUTIVE SUMMARY This impactful long-range Plan unites the community in The quality of life for Norwalk’s community protecting and expanding Norwalk's urban forest. It combines members is strongly influenced by the strategic tree management practices with an ambitious tree urban forest, as trees make a vital and planting program, with the goal of increasing canopy cover affordable contribution to the sense of citywide from 43% today to 53% tree canopy cover within the next community and are an essential three decades. Several reports and studies developed in component to the City’s infrastructure. collaboration with PlanIT Geo, Inc. provide in-depth context and Norwalk’s trees (collectively known as the data to support this Plan. urban forest) provide much-needed shade THE SCOPE OF THIS PLAN and are one the most effective mechanisms to cool urban areas, reduce stormwater Norwalk's Tree Master Plan is more than just a vision; it's a runoff, and make the City more livable. comprehensive strategy designed for everyone who calls this Protecting, maintaining, and expanding vibrant city home, as well as those who work, play, and visit here. Norwalk’s urban forest is essential to This actionable plan is geared towards elevating our urban preserving and improving quality of life for landscape by enhancing our citywide canopy cover from 43% to all residents. To plan and manage Norwalk’s an impressive 53% over the next three decades. Achieving this urban forest toward this brighter future, a goal requires planting approximately 64,000 trees, with an initial baseline assessment of tree canopy cover focus on bolstering overburdened and underserved communities. was conducted in 2022. However, the benefits of this initiative will extend far beyond specific neighborhoods, encompassing parks, streets, residences, businesses, and institutions alike. By prioritizing sustainability and equity, this Plan seeks to maximize the long-term advantages— environmental, health, social, and economic— for all residents. Furthermore, it addresses pressing challenges such as climate change and the aging public tree population head-on. To turn this ambitious vision into reality, we're committed to implementing a proactive public tree maintenance program alongside an extensive tree planting initiative, ensuring Norwalk thrives for generations to come. Norwalk Connecticut Tree Master Plan 2024 | I Page 17 of 168 Executive Summary A PLAN SHAPED BY DATA AND THE COMMUNITY Norwalk’s tree canopy directly impacts everyone in the City. We must acknowledge and embrace the significance that Norwalk’s tree canopy provides. We must recognize and prioritize the financial needs and benefits associated with maintaining and expanding our tree canopy cover, especially as the effects of climate change take hold. Proactive management of trees under the City’s purview will maximize benefits, reduce costs, effectively mitigate risks, and reduce emergency callouts and post-storm cleanup. This Plan establishes an action framework based on tree data, supporting plans, stakeholder recommendations, and former relevant studies. The need for a master plan arose out of the current funding hardships for city tree plantings and maintenance. With input from Norwalk’s Department of Recreation and Parks, Tree Advisory Committee, supporting departments, and the City’s ad-hoc Sustainability Committee, this Plan has been developed to protect and grow the tree canopy. The overall vision for Norwalk’s urban tree canopy aligns with Norwalk’s Citywide Plan 2019-2029 vision to “…become a national example of a small city that boasts a thriving and dynamic economy…connected, accessible and beautiful open spaces…” and within this plan, Norwalk recognizes the need to “protect and enhance the natural environment and land, water, and air resources for the benefit of future generations.” Trees are a key contributor to achieving these goals. Expanding, protecting, and preserving tree canopy cover in Norwalk is part of the solution to social, environmental, and economic problems— it is integral to enhancing public health programs, increasing land values and local tax bases, providing job training and employment opportunities, reducing costs of City services, increasing public safety, improving air quality, offsetting carbon emissions, managing stormwater runoff, mitigating water shortages, and conserving energy. II Page 18 of 168 State of Norwalk’s Urban Forest Urban forests nationwide confront common stressors such URBAN FOREST CHALLENGES as urban heat, air pollution, weather variations, invasive species, and development pressure, exacerbated by resource constraints and conflicting priorities. For Norwalk, tree canopy cover has been evolving and changing amidst rapid growth, climate change, and fluctuations in programs, resources, and regulations. Tree Pests Tree Diseases Despite Norwalk’s appeal of being a respite from dense cities while being in proximity to these major employment centers, inequitable tree distribution across Norwalk results in disparate environmental conditions and impacts residents' well-being, underscoring the urgent need for holistic tree care approaches and enhanced municipal Storms & Climate Change Competition for Space support to bolster community resilience. To redress inequities in canopy cover and to ensure investments made today are sustained for the future, a URBAN FOREST CANOPY DISTRIBUTION baseline assessment of canopy cover was conducted in 2022 using high-resolution imagery from 2021. This study found that 43% of Norwalk’s 14,423 total land acres are covered by the canopy of trees when viewed from above. This proportion equates to over 6,200 acres— or approximately 10 square miles— of canopy cover. For comparison, a 2018 study (WestCOG, 2018) found that Norwalk had the lowest 43% Canopy 21% Possible 36% Unsuitable canopy cover of 19 cities in western Connecticut and the Cover Planting Area Areas average for the region was 61% canopy. Norwalk Connecticut Tree Master Plan 2024 | III Page 19 of 168 Executive Summary Benefits of Trees IV Page 20 of 168 TREES WORKING FOR YOU AND OUR ENVIRONMENT A healthy and diverse population of trees across Norwalk culminates into an urban forest that works to the benefit of the community, the environment, and the economy. The following is a summary of some of the key benefits and services of trees, nature, and greenspaces in urban areas. IMPROVE THE QUALITY OF LIFE Trees make cities more livable by decreasing summer temperatures and improving well-being. Greater contact with natural environments correlates with lower levels of stress, improved performance, and fewer sick days. Residents in areas with more greenery are three times more likely to be physically active and less likely to be overweight than residents living in areas with little greenery. REDUCE AIR AND SURFACE TEMPERATURES Tree canopy lowers temperatures by shading buildings, asphalt, and concrete. Trees deflect radiation from the sun and release moisture into the air, reducing surface temperatures which in turn supports reductions in fumes from heated asphalt and mitigates the urban heat island effect. IMPROVE AIR QUALITY Trees produce oxygen and clean the air by removing pollutants that would otherwise contribute to human health problems, such as asthma and other respiratory diseases. Norwalk Connecticut Tree Master Plan 2024 | V Page 21 of 168 Executive Summary VALUE OF Air Quality: 376,500 pounds of pollutants removed | $1.2 million annual value TREES Stormwater Management: 69.1 million gallons of runoff prevented | $626,500 annual value Carbon Sequestration: 51.5 million pounds of carbon captured | $1.1 million annual value Annual values are based on the 2022 Tree Canopy Assessment TOTAL ANNUAL VALUE: $3.0 MILLION PROTECT WILDLIFE AND ECOSYSTEMS Preserving and planting trees provides valuable habitat for wildlife, supports pollinator species, and provides favorable conditions for beneficial soil microorganisms. SAVE ENERGY AND LOWER ENERGY COSTS FOR BUILDINGS As natural screens, trees insulate homes and businesses from extreme weather, keeping buildings cooler and reducing air conditioning bills. In the winter, evergreen trees provide a protective barrier against cold winds. CONSERVE WATER AND SOIL A tree’s root system draws water into the soil, and its canopy slows rainfall, reducing runoff and erosion while removing contaminants. In contrast, impervious surfaces like roads and parking lots allow water to run off unfiltered and at high volumes, increasing the likelihood of flooding and impaired water quality. Continuing reading to learn about other tangible, quantified, and experienced benefits and services provided by our trees. VI Page 22 of 168 Trees as Green Infrastructure Trees serve as vital green infrastructure in Norwalk, offering multifaceted benefits that address pressing environmental challenges. NATURE’S COOLING SYSTEM INTEGRATING CITY ASSETS One significant role trees play is mitigating the urban The successful integration of trees into city heat island effect by providing shade and reducing infrastructure requires careful planning and surface temperatures. As Norwalk and other cities innovative techniques. Ensuring there is enough continue to grapple with rising temperatures due to space and soil volume for trees to thrive is essential for climate change and urbanization, incorporating trees their long-term health and effectiveness. Utilizing into capital projects, planting programs, and techniques such as tree pits, structural soils, and development plans become essential to creating a permeable pavement can maximize soil volume and cooler, more livable environment. provide adequate root space in constrained urban CLEAN WATER GENERATORS environments. Additionally, post-planting care, including watering, pruning, and maintenance, is Trees play a crucial role in managing stormwater and crucial for tree survival and growth. improving water quality. Their extensive root systems help absorb and store rainwater, reducing the risk of NORWALK’S COMPLETE STREETS POLICY & ORDINANCE flooding and soil erosion. Moreover, trees act as natural filters, trapping pollutants and sediments, thus Streets designed for the safety, mobility, and accessibility enhancing water quality in urban streams and needs of all users, regardless of age, ability, or mode. waterways. Incorporating trees into city projects not The Complete Streets Design Guide will guide the design only mitigates the impacts of stormwater runoff but and construction of infrastructure including roads, also contributes to overall environmental sustainability. walkways, bikeways, stormwater management and TREES To achieve sustainable urban development, green infrastructure, including trees, must be seamlessly integrated at the design, planning, installation, and maintenance stages. Norwalk is making strides in this direction but establishing the Complete Streets Policy and Ordinance along with the supporting Design Guide. This integration should extend beyond tree planting to encompass other infrastructure components, such as sidewalks. By carefully considering trees for sidewalk installation and repairs, we can reduce conflicts and associated costs, enhance walkability, reduce heat stress, and improve the overall experience in Norwalk. Embracing trees as integral components of infrastructure not only enhances environmental resilience but also fosters a healthier, more vibrant city. Norwalk Connecticut Tree Master Plan 2024 | VII Page 23 of 168 Executive Summary Tree Canopy Goals Setting a canopy cover goal for Norwalk not only ignites momentum and interest but also serves as a catalyst for addressing a myriad of urban challenges. By aiming to increase canopy cover, Norwalk can effectively combat urban heat, mitigate the impacts of climate change, promote sustainability, and enhance overall livability. Embracing a canopy cover goal also underscores Norwalk's commitment to environmental justice, ensuring that all communities, regardless of their socioeconomic status, have access to the myriad benefits of urban greenery. Additionally, striving towards this goal fosters community engagement and collaboration, empowering residents to actively participate in shaping the future of their city and creating a more vibrant, sustainable urban forest. Achieving Norwalk's canopy cover goal necessitates a shared Current Cover 43% (2021) commitment and collaborative effort from the City, its partners, and Canopy Goal 53% (2053) the community at large. The journey towards a greener, more resilient urban forest requires proactive planning, strategic 10-year Target 46% canopy cover investments, and ongoing care and maintenance. A canopy goal and reassessments of canopy cover over time will be a foundational 20-year Target 50% canopy cover metric to measure progress and inform changes to strategies and programs. The City must lead by example, implementing policies and Planting Target 2,200 trees/year average initiatives that support tree planting and preservation while also fostering partnerships with local organizations, businesses, and Phase 1 Target 1,604 trees/year for years 1-10 residents. Community involvement is paramount, as residents play a vital role in advocating for green spaces, volunteering for tree City-led Plantings 70% of plantings planting and maintenance efforts, and fostering a culture of Community-led Plantings 20% of plantings environmental stewardship. Through collective action and shared responsibility, Norwalk can realize its vision of a thriving urban forest Development Plantings 10% of plantings that enriches the lives of its residents, enhances ecological health, and strengthens community bonds for generations to come. Total Plantings in 30 Years 64,000 trees VIII Page 24 of 168 Planting Strategy TREE PLANTING Imagine a Norwalk transformed— a city with a thriving 53% PRIORITY tree canopy, its streets shaded and cool, its neighborhoods vibrant and healthy. This Plan’s strategies provide the roadmap to make that vision a reality in 30 years. These MAP strategies address planting and caring for trees on public lands, while also implementing policies and programs to empower residents, business owners, and developers to join the movement. Reaching the ambitious goal requires the planting of 64,000 trees, but it's not just about numbers. We'll nurture and protect the health of our existing canopy, ensuring every tree thrives. This comprehensive plan, guided by criteria detailed in separate reports, sets us on a path to a cooler, healthier Norwalk, one flourishing tree at a time. To guide the planting strategy, a neighborhood priority map was developed based on the 2022 tree canopy assessment, overburdened areas according to the Council on Environmental Quality's Climate and Economic Justice Screening Tool (Justice40 Initiative), Tree Equity Scores (TES) based on the American Forests’ tool, and stakeholder input. In coordination with these inputs and the urban forestry consultants, a priority ranking system was established. Priority 1 denotes those neighborhoods comprised of Justice40 overburdened / underserved U.S. Census Tracts; Priority 2 areas focus on neighborhoods with U.S. Census Block Groups (CBGs) that have a TES that is less than 80 out of 100; Priority 3 is made up of neighborhoods with CBGs having a TES Planting Priority Scale between 80 and 99; and Priority 4 is made up of the remaining neighborhoods that have a TES of 100. Highest 1 2 3 4 Lowest Years: 0-10 10-20 20-30 No net loss Norwalk Connecticut Tree Master Plan 2024 | IX Page 25 of 168 Executive Summary Addressing the Priorities Norwalk’s urban forest extends across both public and private property, encompassing all trees within the City limits. To effectively implement Norwalk's ambitious planting strategy, seamless coordination is imperative among the City, its partners, and the community. Each of the 23 neighborhoods in Norwalk are characterized by their unique conditions, resources, and population dynamics. Norwalk's planting strategy to achieve 53% will be achieved from the ground up— with canopy goals and tree planting targets established for each neighborhood (see below). The Justice40 neighborhoods provide the first step in targeting resources, but careful onsite examinations must be made to identify suitable tree species, responsible caretakers, project timing, and other factors crucial for fostering canopy growth and sustainability. Trees per Year Priority Neighborhood Existing Canopy % Canopy Goal % (10-year intervals) 10-year Totals South Norwalk 6% 14% 102 East Norwalk 14% 27% 232 Priority 1: Woodward 25% 46% 420 1,604 trees/year Golden Hill 27% 40% 210 Years 1-10 16,035 total trees Springwood 27% 38% 175 Oak Hills 50% 63% 465 Norwalk Center 13% 17% 55 Priority 2: Hospital Hill 25% 32% 177 1,112 trees/year Marvin Beach 28% 41% 630 Years 11-20 11,115 total trees Broadriver 53% 59% 249 West Main 20% 26% 105 The Green 27% 34% 138 Strawberry Hill 31% 38% 178 Spring Hill 32% 41% 145 Priority 3: Rowayton 43% 50% 303 2,810 trees/year Wolfpit 45% 52% 265 Years 21-30 28,102 total trees Woods Pond 46% 52% 217 West Rocks 47% 52% 285 Brookside 48% 54% 301 West Norwalk 54% 64% 874 Norwalk Islands 29% 42% 133 Priority 4: 1,069 trees/year Silvermine 61% 66% 265 No net loss Cranbury 67% 75% 671 10,690 total trees 287 trees/year average by 65,942 trees over TOTALS: 23 neighborhoods 6% to 67% 53% Citywide by 2053 neighborhood for 10 years 30 year period *The difference between 65,942 total trees listed here compared to 64,000 total trees shown on a previous page is a result of different land area totals and it considers mortality of existing trees and newly planted trees. X Page 26 of 168  A) Public Right-of-Way The following provides an example of the strategy for the priority neighborhoods to focus planting efforts for the first implementation schedule (i.e., years 1-10). For example, the Springwood neighborhood includes B) SD-LI Development overburdened areas identified by the Justice40 Initiative and currently has 27% canopy cover. Springwood’s canopy goal is 38% in the first 10 years, which requires 1,750 trees or 175 per year. Planting trees as required by Zoning Regulations, public-private partnerships, and dedicated resources in Springwood will support C) Springwood Park the citywide goal of 53% cover. Each neighborhood will have its own planting strategy that scales up to the citywide goal. EXAMPLE NEIGHBORHOOD STRATEGY: Springwood’s Planting Strategy Zoning and Considerations SPRINGWOOD Priority #1 Years 1-10 ◼ CD-1M (Sub-Urban Medium Trees Per Year 175 50% large trees at maturity Lot): Regulations do not require The Springwood neighborhood 30% medium trees trees for this class contains overburdened areas Total in 10 Years 1,750 20% small trees according to the Justice40 Initiative ◼ CD-2 (Sub-Urban Single- and 1-1 public tree replacement; Two-Family): Regulations do not and is one of six priority #1 areas for No Net TBD private development require trees for this class planting in years 1-10 of this Plan. The Loss Strategy mitigation ◼ CD-3 (General Urban): Front canopy goal for Springwood is 38% in 263 15% (26 trees per year) yards ≥ 15 feet = 1 tree per 50 feet 10 years— up from 27% currently. To Public Rights-of- total (# should be based on an of frontage achieve this a total of 1,750 trees are Way (ROW) trees inventory of planting sites) needed in Springwood— 70% on public ◼ CV (Civic District): Regulations 700 40% of plantings property (1,225 trees); 20% on Public Parks total do not require trees for this class institutional property (schools and trees (70 trees per year) churches), businesses, and residential Other Public 263 15% of plantings ◼ SD-HI (Heavy Industrial Special property (350 trees); and 10% through total District): Front yards ≥ 15 feet = 1 Properties trees (26 trees per year) tree per 50 feet of frontage private development (175 trees). 350 Institutions, 20% of plantings ◼ SD-LI (Light Industrial Special total Implementing the strategies for each Businesses, Residents trees (35 trees per year) District): Front yards ≥ 15 feet = 1 neighborhood will enable Norwalk to 175 tree per 50 feet of frontage Private 10% of plantings reach 53% canopy cover by 2053. Development total (18 trees per year) trees Norwalk Connecticut Tree Master Plan 2024 | XI Page 27 of 168 Executive Summary Education and Outreach A shared commitment from the City and the “Urban trees and forests are community is needed to achieve Norwalk’s 30-year canopy cover goal and other goals in this Plan. considered integral to the Planting strategies in each neighborhood will require sustainability of cities as a whole. 70% of plantings to take place in public spaces such as the street rights-of-way, parks, and properties. 10% of Yet, sustainable urban forests are plantings will take place through private development not born, they are made. They do projects but 20% will need to be voluntary plantings on private land such as residential property, schools not arise at random, but result from and campuses, and businesses. This means that of the a community-wide commitment to 64,000 trees needed to achieve 53% canopy cover, a total of 12,800 trees will need to be planted on this their creation and management.” private land over 30 years. Therefore, the City of ~Clark et al.: Urban Forest Sustainability, Journal of Norwalk’s programs can assist the private landowners Arboriculture, 1997 in this effort through trainings, public-private partnerships, enabling of community organizations, and other incentives such as free tree giveaways. The education and outreach strategies to implement this Plan should consider: ❖ Establishing a coordinated marketing and messaging campaign. ❖ Developing and strengthening community programs and volunteer initiatives. ❖ Bolstering the Tree Advisory Committee and Norwalk Tree Alliance among other community groups. ❖ Evaluating and adapting strategies based on outcomes and public input. Description 1. Image courtesy of Norwalk Tree Alliance (2023) XII Page 28 of 168 Implementation Plan Tree Planting Considerations Norwalk recognizes the urgent need to increase its tree canopy cover to 53%. There are numerous opportunities to enhance this urban forest. Effective urban tree programs must consider site constraints, tree selection, and maintenance requirements to preserve, protect, and expand Norwalk’s tree canopy. Key factors to consider include: • Fall/Winter Planting – Planting trees during the fall and winter months promotes root growth before the onset of hot and dry weather, significantly enhancing tree survival rates. • Optimal Locations Relative to Infrastructure – Selecting the best sites in relation to existing infrastructure is crucial for long-term success. • Site Climate and Exposure – Evaluating the specific climate, sun exposure, and exposure to salts/chemicals at each site ensures the best conditions for tree growth. • Right Tree for the Right Place – Tree selection should be guided by growth rate, mature size, canopy shape, shade potential, ornamental traits, wildlife value, resistance to disease and pests, and species diversity. While costs are typically based on a 2.5" caliper tree, smaller sizes can be considered under the right conditions. • Maintenance Needs – Proper watering, mulching, and pruning are essential to support the health and growth of urban trees. The period immediately following planting is critical for a tree’s long-term health. Regular inspections and diligent maintenance during this establishment phase will ensure the consistent growth and success of Norwalk’s urban trees. Norwalk Connecticut Tree Master Plan 2024 | XIII Page 29 of 168 Executive Summary Priority Actions Timeframe Priority Action Category Tree Planting Strategy Public Tree Inventory Urban Forest Management Strategy Climate Vulnerability Assessment Organizational Structure Improvement Community Outreach and Engagement Immediate (2024 & 2025) Updates to City Plans Green Infrastructure Integration Ordinance and Regulation Review Storm Preparedness and Response Urban Wood Waste Utilization Invasive Species Management Expand Tree Planting Monitor and Report Short Term (Years 2-5) Public Education Programs Enhance Green Infrastructure Funding and Budget Sustain Tree Planting Efforts Evaluate and Adjust Strategies Mid Term (Years 6-10) Expand Community Engagement Advanced Green Infrastructure Projects Comprehensive Plan Review Achieve Canopy Cover Goal Sustainable Urban Forest Management Long Term (Years 10+) Long-Term Funding Strategies Periodic Plan Updates XIV Page 30 of 168 TABLE OF CONTENTS Introduction .................................................................................................................................................................................................... 1 Purpose................................................................................................................................................................................................................................................................................. 1 Planning Approach ...................................................................................................................................................................................................................................................... 2 Trees Working for People and the Environment ...................................................................................................................................................................................... 3 Norwalk’s Canopy Goal: A Cascading Effect ................................................................................................................................................................................................ 3 Upcoming Sections .....................................................................................................................................................................................................................................................4 Section 1: State of Norwalk’s Urban Forest........................................................................................................................................ 5 Defining the Urban Forest and Tree Populations .................................................................................................................................................................................... 6 Norwalk’s Urban Forest: A Top-down Approach ....................................................................................................................................................................................... 7 The Bottom-up Approach: Norwalk’s Public Trees ............................................................................................................................................................................... 18 Vulnerabilities of Norwalk’s Trees ..................................................................................................................................................................................................................... 21 Stakeholders for Norwalk’s Trees ..................................................................................................................................................................................................................... 27 Tree-related Plans and Regulations ............................................................................................................................................................................................................... 30 Indicators of a Sustainable Urban Forest.................................................................................................................................................................................................... 36 Current State of the Urban Forest Summary ........................................................................................................................................................................................... 39 Section 2: Management Importance ................................................................................................................................................ 41 A Closer Look at the Benefits of Trees .......................................................................................................................................................................................................... 42 Addressing Challenges to Maximize Investments ............................................................................................................................................................................... 46 Benefits of Trees as Critical Infrastructure ................................................................................................................................................................................................48 The Vital Role of Urban Forest Management in Strengthening Norwalk’s Community ............................................................................................. 50 The Role of Soil for Effective Management ................................................................................................................................................................................................ 51 Section 3: Understanding Norwalk’s Priorities ............................................................................................................................. 53 Community Insights on Urban Forest Priorities .................................................................................................................................................................................... 54 Norwalk’s Tree Canopy Cover Goal.................................................................................................................................................................................................................. 60 Aligning Priorities ....................................................................................................................................................................................................................................................... 62 Section 4: Tree Planting Strategy ...................................................................................................................................................... 63 Tree Planting Strategy Overview ..........................................................................................................................................................................................64 Tree Planting Costs: Phase 1 Neighborhood Priorities Years 1-10 ...................................................................................................................... 71 Tree Planting Considerations and Implementation ................................................................................................................................................ 74 Section 5: Urban Forest Management Strategy .......................................................................................................................... 83 Overview of the Management Strategy ......................................................................................................................................................................................................84 Public Tree Inventory and Data Management ....................................................................................................................................................... 85 Page 31 of 168 Table of Contents Proactive Public Tree Maintenance ...............................................................................................................................................................................86 Public Tree Risk Management .........................................................................................................................................................................................90 Urban Forest Storm Preparedness and Response ................................................................................................................................................ 91 Urban Wood Waste Utilization ......................................................................................................................................................................................... 92 10-year Roadmap and Next Steps ..................................................................................................................................................... 98 Next Steps .................................................................................................................................................................................................................................................................. 99 Conclusion ............................................................................................................................................................................................................................................................... 104 References and Appendices ...............................................................................................................................................................106 References Appendix ##. Tree-Related Requirements in Norwalk’s Zoning Regulations Appendix ##. Summary of Norwalk’s Tree Ordinance Appendix ##. Tree Planting and Maintenance Estimated Costs Appendix ##. Priority Neighborhood Maps Appendix ##. Urban Forestry Program Structure Considerations Figures and Tables IN PROGRESS Page 32 of 168 INTRODUCTION The quality of life for Norwalk’s community members is strongly influenced by the urban forest, as trees across the City make a vital and affordable contribution to the sense of community, enhance and create pedestrian-friendly neighborhoods, provide energy savings, reduce stormwater runoff, and improve air quality. Future climate predictions indicate that heat waves will become more frequent, and the average yearly temperatures are expected to continue to rise. In addition, it is anticipated that the region will experience more frequent extreme weather events and temperature changes, prolonged periods of drought, and shortened or disrupted natural seasons. Norwalk’s trees (collectively known as the urban forest) provide much-needed shade and are one the most effective mechanisms to cool urban areas, reduce stormwater runoff, and make the City more livable. Protecting, maintaining, and expanding Norwalk’s urban forest is essential to preserving and improving quality of life for all residents while bolstering property and cultural values. To plan and manage Norwalk’s urban forest, a baseline assessment of tree canopy cover was conducted in 2022. Norwalk’s first-ever Tree Master Plan provides the roadmap to preserve and expand this benefit- producing tree canopy. Purpose Norwalk’s Tree Master Plan (“Plan” or “TMP”) aims to provide goals and supporting guidance for the City to preserve and expand tree canopy cover and maximize the benefits of Norwalk’s urban forest. An overarching canopy cover goal of 53% by the year 2053 with strategic actions sets in motion the necessary development of a robust urban forestry program for Norwalk that meets the needs of the urban forest and the community. The development and implementation of this Plan supports other efforts including Norwalk’s Citywide Plan of Conservation and Development (2019-2029), the 2018 canopy distribution study conducted by the WestCOG for western Connecticut communities, and the City’s updated Zoning Regulations that went into effect in February 2024, among other plans to ensure continuity, sustainability, reduced conflicts, and long-lasting beneficial outcomes. Norwalk Connecticut Tree Master Plan 2024 | 1 Page 33 of 168 Introduction Planning Approach Norwalk's Tree Master Plan was developed with a culmination of research and collaborative efforts. The planning process began with a deep dive into existing City plans and environmental initiatives. To understand existing conditions and to establish a baseline to measure progress, tree data including a citywide urban tree canopy assessment and a sample inventory of public trees in South Norwalk was collected and analyzed. Stakeholder engagement was paramount; City staff, residents, businesses, and environmental groups all had a voice in shaping the Plan. Studies were conducted and reports drafted, THE PLANNING PROCESS exploring critical factors impacting Norwalk's urban forest. Existing ordinances and regulations were evaluated, ensuring alignment with our goals. Finally, a comprehensive audit was undertaken, meticulously examining the health and quality of Norwalk's urban forest and existing tree programs. This iterative The development of the Norwalk approach, grounded in industry best practices and real data, ensures the Tree Tree Master Plan was based on Master Plan is a roadmap to a greener, more sustainable Norwalk. answering four key questions: This data-driven, collaborative approach lays the groundwork for success. By leveraging industry standards and best practices, we've established a clear ◼ What Do We Have? vision for the future of Norwalk's urban forest. From targeted planting strategies to robust maintenance procedures along with the teams and ◼ What Do We Want? resources required, the Tree Master Plan equips us with the tools necessary to cultivate a thriving urban ecosystem for generations to come. ◼ How Do We Get There? ◼ How Are We Doing? This structure, termed “adaptive management,” is commonly used for resource planning and management and provides a useful conceptual framework for managing Norwalk’s urban forest resource (Miller, 1988). 2 Page 34 of 168 Trees Working for People and the Environment Protecting trees and expanding canopy cover can have the power to transform a city. With a healthy urban forest, shaded streets provide cooler summer temperatures, the air feels crisp and cleaner, and the vibrant tree canopy hums with life. This is the future that we can create with a thriving urban forest. Studies by the USDA Forest Service (USFS) demonstrate that trees act as nature's air filters, removing pollutants and enhancing air quality. Research by the University of Washington (Wolf, 2020) further highlights the connection between trees and human health, with exposure to nature reducing stress and promoting overall well-being. And beyond human benefit, trees provide essential habitat for countless species, fostering a rich biodiversity that enriches our environment. A healthy urban forest isn't just about aesthetics; it's about creating a city that works for both people and the planet. Norwalk’s Canopy Goal: A Cascading Effect The urban forest plays a critical role in every area of Norwalk’s sustainability, as well as in its health, resilience, equity, and quality of life. Like many cities however, Norwalk’s canopy coverage is not equitably distributed across neighborhoods. Low-income neighborhoods have lower tree canopy coverage, and some of the highest asthma rates in the state. The Tree Master Plan provides the roadmap to achieve a shared community vision for Norwalk’s urban forest. One facet of that vision includes the goal to increase canopy cover from 43% to 53% in 30 years. This vision and the supporting goals outlined in this Plan require a strong commitment to stewardship, consistent and strategic planting of new trees, the retention of the existing tree canopy, a community and constituency that values and engages with the urban forest and trees, and a network of public and private stakeholders who share a vision for a vibrant urban tree canopy. The City and its stakeholders acknowledged this canopy deficit well before this Plan took shape. Community groups like the Norwalk Tree Alliance with support from City departments and the Tree Advisory Committee have been conducting spring and fall tree plantings, focusing efforts in underserved areas, and engaging the community. This Tree Master Plan leverages the successes from these programs and partnerships to formulate a coordinated long- term strategy for Norwalk’s urban forest. Achieving our ambitious 53% canopy cover goal brings a cascade of benefits. Healthy trees not only provide a wealth of services but also offer a cost-effective solution to many of Norwalk's current and future challenges. A coordinated planting strategy will align City priorities while addressing local needs, such as creating shaded walking paths and Norwalk Connecticut Tree Master Plan 2024 | 3 Page 35 of 168 Introduction bus stops. From improved air and water quality to increased biodiversity, trees offer a powerful tool— and one of the most cost-effective approaches— to combat climate change, habitat loss, and even student focus and hospital recovery times. The goal of protecting and expanding tree canopy cover should extend beyond the City’s urban forestry program and be incorporated into all other pertinent aspects of City planning, design, and maintenance projects. Investing in our urban forest fosters a healthier, more vibrant city, promoting physical activity and a stronger sense of community— all critical elements for a thriving Norwalk. Upcoming Sections The Introduction of Norwalk’s Tree Master Plan outlines its purpose and strategic approach, emphasizing the importance of a well-managed urban forest for environmental health, aesthetics, and quality of life. It serves as a roadmap, guiding readers through sections on the current state of the urban forest, management importance, city priorities, tree planting strategy, urban forest management, and a 10-year roadmap with actionable steps. The summary highlights upcoming sections to inform readers about resonant content. ❖ SECTION 1: STATE OF NORWALK’S URBAN FOREST: Learn about the urban forest, public trees that comprise the urban forest, stakeholders engaged with trees, regulations and plans impacting trees, and how Norwalk’s urban forest compares to industry standards. ❖ SECTION 2: MANAGEMENT IMPORTANCE: Gain insights and new perspectives on how Norwalk’s urban forest provides benefits and services to the community, the environment, and the economy if challenges are adequately addressed, and trees are incorporated into City green infrastructure. ❖ SECTION 3: UNDERSTANDING NORWALK’S PRIORITIES: Learn about the community’s priorities relating to trees in Norwalk and how this feedback helped guide the development of the Plan’s goals and strategies. ❖ SECTION 4: TREE PLANTING STRATEGY: Understand the strategy to achieve 53% canopy cover and other related goals of the Plan, recognizing that success requires a shared commitment from both the City and the community to the Plan’s vision, industry standards, and best practices. ❖ SECTION 5: URBAN FOREST MANAGEMENT STRATEGY: Learn about the standards and best practices for managing public trees, tree risk, storms, pests and diseases, and wood waste along with the structures, programs, and resources necessary to meet the levels of service required. ❖ 10-YEAR ROADMAP AND NEXT STEPS: Learn about the 10-year roadmap to achieve the strategies set forth in this Plan and learn how all members of the community can take part in the next steps. 4 Page 36 of 168 SECTION 1: STATE OF NORWALK’S URBAN FOREST Learn about the urban forest, public trees that comprise the urban forest, stakeholders engaged with trees, regulations and plans impacting trees, and how Norwalk’s urban forest compares to industry standards. Norwalk Connecticut Tree Master Plan 2024 | 5 Page 37 of 168 Section 1: State of Norwalk’s Urban Forest Defining the Urban Forest and Tree Populations When the term infrastructure is used, oftentimes roads, bridges, power lines, and storm drains are most recognized. In addition to these staples of city infrastructure, trees lining streets and shading parks and backyards are to be included. These trees, collectively known as the urban forest, provide essential benefits that help Norwalk function. Services generated by trees in Norwalk provide immense value to the City. Like other city infrastructure, urban trees require management and maintenance to succeed. The urban forest is comprised of trees across all city landscapes including streetscapes, parks and open space, trail and waterway corridors, commercial and residential properties, among others. While the Plan primarily addresses public trees, all trees across ownership types and the care of these trees contributes to overall urban forest health, sustainability, and associated benefits. To present an analysis of the current conditions of Norwalk’s urban forest, tree populations in these landscapes are characterized by the type of setting and land ownership type (public or private) and the responsibility for maintenance (City, property owner, or other). In the following section, analyses are first summarized for the citywide urban tree canopy that encompasses public and private trees, followed by a discussion about the public street and park tree population. Public trees are comprised of trees along streetscapes, in medians, backup lots, alleys, parks, open space, and natural areas on City-owned land. The Tree Master Plan focuses on the public street trees. The City is primarily responsible for the maintenance of these trees along city streets whereas trees along Route 15 fall under the State of Connecticut’s purview. View the illustration below for a summary of the tree types in Norwalk. PUBLIC SPACE TREES PRIVATE TREES PUBLIC STREET TREES Figure 1. Illustration of the common tree ownership types in Norwalk 6 Page 38 of 168 Norwalk’s Urban Forest: A Top-down Approach An assessment of tree canopy cover across Norwalk provides essential data for developing strategies related to tree planting, preservation, equity, and risk management. These urban tree canopy (UTC) assessments, also often referred to as tree canopy assessments (TCA), offer vital information for long-term planning and tracking progress. They support various city planning efforts, including sustainability, equity, health, climate resiliency, stormwater management, water quality, wildlife preservation, air quality improvements, and development guidelines. UTC assessments establish a baseline of current canopy cover and identify potential planting areas. This assessment is crucial for understanding Norwalk's urban forest conditions and should be used to measure progress from implementing this Plan. Norwalk’s tree canopy assessment completed in 2022 utilized 2021 high- resolution imagery from the National Agriculture Imagery Program (NAIP) to evaluate the extent and opportunities for tree canopy cover. The study also looked at canopy cover change between 2021 and historical imagery of 2012. The results of the analysis of 2021 imagery are provided below: ⚫ Tree Canopy 43% 21% 36%  City Limit Urban Tree Canopy Possible Planting Area Unsuitable Figure 2. Depiction of the canopy cover assessed (UTC) (PPA) Area in 2022 using 2021 imagery Norwalk Connecticut Tree Master Plan 2024 | 7 Page 39 of 168 Section 1: State of Norwalk’s Urban Forest Currently, 43% of the City’s land area is covered by the canopy of What Is an Urban Forest? trees across public and private boundaries when viewed from An urban forest encompasses all the trees above— down from 49% in 2012. Another way to look at the extent in a defined urban area, such as a city. of this resource; of the 14,423 total land acres in Norwalk in 2021, a Urban forests broadly include the trees in total of 6,218 acres are covered by tree canopy. That equates to nearly 10 square miles of canopy cover equal to the area of over urban parks; on city streets; in residential 4,700 professional-sized football fields. The 2022 assessment of areas, including private yards and shared 2021 imagery also identified areas for potential new tree canopy— residential spaces; trees in community tree planting—and in 2021 a total of 2,964 acres in Norwalk were spaces (such as libraries and public either grass, low-lying shrubs, or impervious surfaces (paved areas gardens) and in greenways, river corridors, like parking lots1). This amounts to 21% of the City theoretically wetlands, nature preserves, and natural containing “possible planting space” although additional analyses areas; shelter belts of trees; and working and onsite inspections would need to be conducted to determine trees at industrial brownfield sites, among whether the possible space is “feasible” and “preferable”. The others. remaining 36% of the City is classified as “unsuitable” meaning tree canopy cover cannot exist in these spaces. Examples may What Is Canopy Cover? include baseball fields, tennis courts, golf fairways, and unsuitable impervious areas such as building rooftops and roadways. This Imagine you are a bird flying over a city (or amounts to 5,241 acres across Norwalk. a human in an airplane) in the summer months. As you look down on your city, CANOPY COVER CHANGE 2012 - 2021 what percentage of the ground is covered (obscured from view) by trees? That 2012 CITYWIDE CANOPY 2021 CITYWIDE CANOPY amount is called the canopy cover of an area. In 2021, the City of Norwalk had a 49% 43% canopy cover of 43%. (7,008 acres) (6,218 acres) (A loss of 790 acres of canopy cover) Figure 3. Citywide canopy cover change between 2012 and 2021 (Source: 2022 UTC Assessment) 1 Impervious surfaces such as parking lots are included as “possible planting areas” since, while more costly, it is possible to remove pavement and replace with soil for tree planting. Impervious areas that are not possible such as building rooftops and roadways are included in the “unsuitable” category rather than the “possible planting area” category. 8 Page 40 of 168 NEIGHBORHOOD TREE The 2022 assessment was analyzed further by City neighborhood to provide more specific insights into the CANOPY canopy cover, available planting space, and potential causes for gains and losses of canopy from 2012 to 2021. As the map shows below, the 790 acres of canopy loss between the 9-year period occurred in the central portion of the City with South Norwalk at the highest rate of relative canopy loss (46% or 12% canopy cover in 2012 and 6% canopy cover in 2021). Relative Loss of Canopy (%) LOW CHANGE MODERATE HIGH CHANGE Tree Canopy Range (%) 6-10% 11-15% 16-25% 26-35% 36-45% 46-70% Figure 5. Tree canopy cover by City of Norwalk neighborhood Figure 4. Relative canopy cover change by City of Norwalk neighborhood (Source: 2022 UTC Assessment) from 2012 to 2021 (Source: 2022 UTC Assessment) Norwalk Connecticut Tree Master Plan 2024 | 9 Page 41 of 168 Section 1: State of Norwalk’s Urban Forest Tree Canopy in the Region In 2018, Norwalk completed a “Tree Canopy Improvement Strategy” (WestCOG, 2018) which aimed to enhance the City’s tree canopy by integrating extensive data and existing plans for a comprehensive view of current conditions. This study set in motion subsequent planning efforts including an updated canopy cover assessment, a sample inventory of public trees, additional program resources, and this Tree Master Plan. From the 2018 study, a comparison of Norwalk’s canopy cover to the other jurisdictions within WestCOG was conducted. While the canopy assessment utilized different imagery and methodology, it does provide insights into how the City of Norwalk’s canopy cover compares to other communities in the region and what may be a realistic amount of cover in the future. Norwalk, CT CANOPY ASSESSMENT RESULTS ACROSS STUDIES 39% Westport, CT 47% 2021* 43.11% PlanIT Geo Darien, CT 48% 2023 36% Average for U.S. Census Block Greenwich, CT 49% Groups in Norwalk according to the Stamford, CT 50% American Forests' Tree Equity Score Danbury, CT 52% Tool via Google Environmental Insights Explorer Brookfield, CT 60% New Fairfield, CT 60% 2023 47% (Citywide) According to the New Canaan, CT 61% American Forests' Tree Equity Score WestCOG, CT Tool via Google Environmental 62% Insights Explorer New Milford, CT 63% Bethel, CT 64% 2015 39.20% WestCOG, 2018 (Table 1, page 10) Bridgewater, CT 68% Ridgefield, CT 69% 2015 44.19% WestCOG, 2018 (page 10, notes that the 44.19% is the refined analysis of Wilton, CT 71% the region to be specific to Norwalk Sherman, CT 71% Newtown, CT 72% *Bold font indicates the primary data used in the Tree Master Plan Weston, CT 75% Table 1. Summary results of recent canopy assessments completed for Norwalk, CT Redding, CT 78% Figure 6. Summary of tree canopy cover according to a 2018 study for jurisdictions within the Western Connecticut Council of Governments (Source: WestCOG, 2018) 10 Page 42 of 168 Tree Canopy Equity For most communities in the U.S., the surface temperatures during a heat wave can vary dramatically by neighborhood and even by street. A big reason for the difference is shade and the canopy of trees that line some sidewalks but not others. Typically, wealthier areas of a city that are zoned for single-family homes attract more city services, like wide sidewalks and trees. As time progresses, that disparity becomes more than a matter of aesthetics. Research shows shade and water evaporation from trees can lower surrounding air temperatures by six degrees or more. While it is well known that shade from a tree can help keep the ground temperatures cooler, as climate change continues to affect the region, the stakes are likely to get higher. In certain cases that shade could be the difference between life and death, especially for the sick, elderly, and disabled people. Studies show that just an extra degree during a heat wave increases mortality 2-3% (Coleman, 2024). Some areas in Norwalk lack adequate tree canopy cover, such as the South Norwalk neighborhood. The tree canopy and associated benefits of the urban forest are not equally shared and experienced by all communities in Norwalk. Whatever the cause for canopy disparity, the purpose of this tree equity study is to state the baseline conditions, identify priorities, and establish goals for increasing tree canopy cover equitably while supporting other priorities and goals relating to urban planning and development, climate action, risk management, public safety, environmental justice, and sustainability, among others. Focused on addressing canopy cover inequity, the American Forests organization created the Tree Equity Score (TES, TreeEquityScore.org) tool that measures tree equity across 150,000 U.S. neighborhoods and 486 municipalities in urban areas. Each community’s TES indicates whether there are enough trees for everyone to experience the health, economic, and climate benefits that trees provide. Tree Equity Score measures how well the benefits of trees are reaching communities living on low-incomes, communities of color, and others disproportionately impacted by extreme heat and other environmental hazards. A 0- to-100-point system makes it easy to understand how a community is doing. Based on this system and its methodology, a score of 100 represents tree equity. With the knowledge the score provides, Norwalk’s community leaders, tree managers, advocates, and residents alike can address climate change and public health through the lens of social equity, attract new resources, factor the scores into technical decisions, guide implementation of the 2024 Tree Master Plan, and track progress toward achieving tree equity. Norwalk Connecticut Tree Master Plan 2024 | 11 Page 43 of 168 Section 1: State of Norwalk’s Urban Forest Norwalk’s Tree Equity Score is slightly higher than the national average. A 2023 analysis scored Norwalk at 86 out of 100, compared to the U.S. average of 85 across 197,505 U.S. Census-defined urban areas (as of 2023). Tree Equity Scores (TES) TREE EQUITY SCORE INPUTS 0-69 TES 70-79 TES Existing Population 80-89 TES Canopy Density Income Employment 90-99 TES 100 TES  U.S. Census Block Group boundaries Heat Severity Race Age Health Norwalk Tree Equity Score 86 out of 100 Figure 7. Map showing the Tree Equity Scores for U.S. Census Block Groups in Norwalk (Source: American Forests' Tree Equity Score Tool, 2023) 12 Page 44 of 168 The previous map displays the Tree Equity Scores for each U.S. Census Block Group (CBG) within the City of Norwalk based on the data inputs listed in the figure above. Compared to other cities in the state, Norwalk’s Tree Equity Score of 86 is the seventh lowest score out of a total of 19 Connecticut cities2 that were awarded as a Tree City USA city in 2021 by the Arbor Day Foundation (see figure below). This score for Norwalk is based on a combination of metrics listed in the figure above for 68 Census Block Groups comprising the City and averaged for a combined total score. COMPARISON OF TREE EQUITY SCORES IN FOR 2022 TREE CITY USA CITIES IN CONNECTICUT Figure 8. Comparison of Tree Equity Scores for select CT communities accredited by the Arbor Day Foundation as a Tree City USA city in Average Tree Equity Score: 89 | Norwalk, CT: 86 2022 (Source: American Forests’ Tree Equity Score Tool, 2023) Average Tree Canopy Cover: 50% | Norwalk, CT: 47%* 91 93 95 97 97 99 100 83 84 84 85 86 87 87 88 88 89 76 77 Average Tree Equity Score (89) *47% average canopy cover for Norwalk, CT is based on the Tree Equity Score tool data and not based on the high-resolution Urban Tree Canopy (UTC) assessment completed in 2022 using 2021 imagery that found the City has 43% canopy cover. Also, the Tree Equity Score percentages are based on the boundaries of the census areas within the City of Norwalk city limits and are not based on the extent of city limits. 2 The 19 communities selected for the benchmarking research and comparison study were based on their proximity to Norwalk, population size, and status as a Tree City USA (TC USA) community in 2021 according to the Arbor Day Foundation. The year 2021 was used as this is the most recent complete database provided to the consultants. Note, a separate report compares Norwalk to other select TC USA communities outside of Connecticut and all TC USA communities nationwide as of 2021 (3,597 communities). Norwalk Connecticut Tree Master Plan 2024 | 13 Page 45 of 168 Section 1: State of Norwalk’s Urban Forest Based on the criteria evaluated for each of the 68 Census Block Groups in Norwalk, the Citywide Tree Equity Score is currently at a score of 86 out of 100. This score is based on a combination of metrics for 68 Census Block Groups (CBGs) comprising the City (refer to figure below). Strategies in the Plan support the City in growing a more equitable urban tree canopy. For Norwalk, 19 of the CBGs (28%) are attaining tree equity with a score of 100, 19 (28%) have a score between 90-99, and 19 (28%) have a score of 80-89. Uniquely for these types of studies, there are only 11 (16%) CBGs with a TES score that is less than 80. TREE EQUITY SCORE (TES) DISTRIBUTION BY CENSUS BLOCK GROUPS (CBGS) Percent & Count 28%, 19 28%, 19 28%, 19 of CBGs* by TES 4%, 3 12%, 8 Range 0-69 70-79 80-89 90-99 100 Tree Equity Score (TES) Ranges Figure 9. Count and percent of Census Block Groups (*) for each Tree Equity Score range (Source: American Forests’ Tree Equity Score Tool, 2023) The following charts and maps provide a closer look at how tree canopy cover is distributed by various sociodemographic metrics including: tree canopy cover by Census Block Group compared to percentages of people of color, tree canopy by CBG compared to percentages of people in poverty, and tree canopy cover by CBG compared to summer surface temperature averages by CBG. Additional details are provided in a separate “Urban Forest Distribution” report as well as on the Tree Equity Score’s website (treeequityscore.org). Regarding canopy cover and percentages of people of color, in CBGs with 68-97% people of color, tree canopy cover is 13% less than the average for all CBGs. When comparing canopy cover to the percentage of people in poverty by CBG, it was found that in CBGs with 34-60% of its population in poverty, canopy cover is 11% lower than the overall average. Lastly, the study shows that areas like South Norwalk have hotter than average CBGs and the least amount of canopy cover. CBGs with 16% less canopy cover than the average are more than 10 degrees (Fahrenheit) hotter than CBGs with an average canopy cover of 39%. These results may indicate correlations between tree canopy cover, underserved communities, and increased temperatures. Thus, the Tree Master Plan incorporates these considerations into its strategies and these maps could be utilized by the City and its partners in outreach and engagement efforts going forward. 14 Page 46 of 168 CANOPY COVER BY PERCENTAGE OF PEOPLE OF COLOR Figure 10. Canopy cover (%) and count of Census Block Groups(*) by ranges of people of color (Source: American Forests' Tree Equity Score Tool, 2023) 14, 54% Count of CBGs* and % Canopy 13, 41% 14, 41% 13, 31% 14, 26% Cover 5-26% 26-37% 37-53% 53-68% 68-97% Range of People of Color Populations Average Canopy Cover % People of Color by Census Block Group (CBG) (Source: American Forests’ Tree Equity Score Tool, 2023) 5-26% 26-37% 37-53% 53-68% 68-97%  U.S. Census Block Groups ◼ City area with no data available Note, U.S. CBGs extend beyond community boundaries Figure 11. Map displaying the percentage of people of color by Census Block Group (Source: American Forests' Tree Equity Score Tool, 2023) Norwalk Connecticut Tree Master Plan 2024 | 15 Page 47 of 168 Section 1: State of Norwalk’s Urban Forest CANOPY COVER BY PERCENTAGE OF PEOPLE IN POVERTY Figure 12. Canopy cover (%) and count of Census Block Groups(*) by ranges of people in poverty (Source: American Forests' Tree Equity Score Tool, 2023) 14, 52% Count of CBGs* and % Canopy 14, 41% 13, 34% 13, 39% 14, 27% Cover 0-9% 9-15% 15-22% 22-34% 34-60% Range of People in Poverty Populations Average Canopy Cover % People in Poverty by Census Block Group (CBG) (Source: American Forests’ Tree Equity Score Tool, 2023) 0-9% 9-15% 15-22% 22-34% 34-60%  U.S. Census Block Groups ◼ City area with no data available Note, U.S. CBGs extend beyond community boundaries Figure 13. Map displaying the percentage of people in poverty by Census Block Group (Source: American Forests' Tree Equity Score Tool, 2023) 16 Page 48 of 168 CANOPY COVER BY TEMPERATURE RANGES** Figure 14. Canopy cover (%) and count of Census Block Groups(*) by temperature ranges in degrees Fahrenheit (Source: American Forests' Tree Equity Score Tool, 2023) Comparison of Tree Canopy Cover to Differences in Average 2022 Summer Surface Temperatures Count of CBGs* and % Canopy 1, 76% 28, 53% 21, 22% 18, 34% 0, 0% Cover <-10 -10 to -5 -5 to 5 5 to 10 >10 degrees degrees degrees degrees degrees Summer 2022 Surface Temperature Ranges from the Average Average Canopy Cover Heat Disparity** by Census Block Group (CBG) (Source: American Forests’ Tree Equity Score Tool, 2023) <-10 degrees Fahrenheit (F) -10 to -5 degrees F -5 to 5 degrees F 5 to 10 degrees F >10 degrees F  U.S. Census Block Groups ◼ City area with no data available Note, U.S. CBGs extend beyond community boundaries **Positive values indicate hotter than average block groups, and negative values indicate cooler than average block groups. Block groups set to the urban area average due to lack of data result in a heat disparity value of zero. Figure 15. Map displaying the heat disparity across U.S. Census Block Groups in Norwalk (Source: American Forests' Tree Equity Score Tool, 2023) Norwalk Connecticut Tree Master Plan 2024 | 17 Page 49 of 168 Section 1: State of Norwalk’s Urban Forest The Bottom-up Approach: Norwalk’s Public Trees Urban tree canopy assessments are crucial for managing Norwalk’s urban forest, but a comprehensive understanding requires a bottom-up analysis through a full or sample inventory of public trees. Although Norwalk lacks a complete public tree inventory, a 2023 sample inventory of 4,190 trees in South Norwalk and other areas south of Interstate 95 offers insights. With an estimated 25,000 public trees along streets and in parks, this sample data, combined with regional resources and the planning team’s expertise, reveals the urban forest’s composition, tree conditions, maintenance needs, and supports the Tree Master Plan’s long-term vision. To effectively manage and plan for the growing tree population amid ongoing challenges, the City needs an accurate, maintained inventory. Figure 16. Examples of the types of landscapes containing trees that comprise the citywide urban forest As discussed earlier and illustrated above, the urban forest is comprised of trees across a variety of landscapes and ownership types. To provide an initial bottom-up assessment of Norwalk’s urban forest, this section will focus on trees in public areas of the City. It summarizes public tree information gathered in 2023 and extrapolated to represent citywide characteristics. 18 Page 50 of 168 Figure 17. Summary of the 2023 sample inventory of public trees extrapolated to represent a population of 25,000 trees (estimated) Norwalk Connecticut Tree Master Plan 2024 | 19 Page 51 of 168 Section 1: State of Norwalk’s Urban Forest Public Tree Insights Using the estimate of 25,000 public trees in maintained or landscaped areas, the data reveals that the most common tree genera are Acer (maples) at 31%, Quercus (oaks) at 9%, and Thuja (arborvitae) at 8%. The most common species are Norway maple (12%) and red maple (8%). The trees lining streets and growing in maintained park areas are primarily in the 0–6-inch diameter size class (29%) or the 6–12-inch class (28%). Most trees are adjacent to single-family residential land use, accounting for 65% of the total, followed by parks and vacant land at 23%. The primary growing space type is front yards, which make up 58% of the total. Additionally, 84% of trees are growing in planting sites with a width of over 11 feet, although many trees in fair condition (33%) are showing signs of stress likely due to limited growing space and other factors. From a management perspective, the data highlights several key areas for attention. The public tree population consists of 64 unique tree genera and 131 unique species, which is typical for the region. Given that most trees are young or small-statured (over half, or 57%, are less than 12 inches in diameter), the public tree population aligns with the recommended structure where younger trees dominate to sustain canopy cover and associated benefits. The high percentage of trees in good condition (61%) suggests that current maintenance practices are effective. However, the presence of deadwood in 40% of the trees and crown dieback in 19% indicates a need for ongoing monitoring and intervention. Priority maintenance tasks include routine pruning for 79% of the trees and addressing wire conflicts present in 15% of the trees. The overall ecosystem benefits provided by these trees, valued at $19,894 annually, underscore the importance of maintaining and enhancing the urban forest. This data suggests that while the current state of the urban forest is generally healthy, proactive management is essential to address emerging issues and ensure long-term sustainability. 20 Page 52 of 168 Vulnerabilities of Norwalk’s Trees Trees in Norwalk face numerous challenges threatening their health and longevity. Climate change leads to extreme temperatures and unpredictable precipitation, stressing trees and making them more vulnerable. Pests and diseases like the emerald ash borer and oak wilt are increasingly prevalent, devastating local tree populations. Limited space in urban areas of the City exacerbates these issues, as trees struggle in confined environments with poor soil and limited water. The following section highlights these challenges, supported by a comprehensive report. HEAT URBAN TREES is reflected off provide shade which buildings and paved SUBURBAN AND cools localized areas surfaces where there is RURAL AREAS TREES AND little vegetation are cooler than cities and VEGETATED AREAS have less temperature cool areas around cities fluctuation PARKS cool cities Figure 18. The effects of vegetation and trees on urban heat islands in cities Norwalk Connecticut Tree Master Plan 2024 | 21 Page 53 of 168 Section 1: State of Norwalk’s Urban Forest Climate Change Climate change is creating more According to the 2023 USDA Plant Hardiness Zone Map, Norwalk is in zone 7a, urban heat islands by increasing the with average annual extreme minimum temperatures ranging from 5 to 10 frequency and intensity of degrees Fahrenheit. Norwalk’s conditions are expected to change with heatwaves, which exacerbates the prolonged high temperatures, droughts, rapid temperature changes, and heat retention in urban areas more frequent and intense storms. The U.S. Forest Service Climate Change already affected by extensive Tree Atlas was used to examine current and potential future tree habitat concrete and asphalt surfaces and distributions in western Connecticut in order to assess the vulnerability of tree declining tree canopy cover. The species in Norwalk and to inform resilient planting strategies going forward. urban heat island (UHI) effect occurs Table 2. Tree species in Norwalk most vulnerable to climate change* (Source: USFS Climate Tree Atlas) when urban areas become Tree Common % of Public (continued) Tree (continued) % of Name Trees (est.) Common Name Public Trees (est.) significantly warmer than their rural Red maple 8.1% Paper birch 0.1% surroundings due to human Sugar maple 4.6% Slippery elm 0.0% activities. Northern red oak 4.2% Serviceberry 0.0% This temperature difference is Flowering dogwood 2.9% Pin cherry 0.0% Northern pin oak 1.4% Striped maple 0.0% primarily caused by the extensive Swamp white oak 0.6% Bigtooth aspen 0.0% use of concrete and asphalt, which White ash 0.5% Quaking aspen 0.0% absorbs and retain heat, and the Shagbark hickory 0.5% Red spruce 0.0% reduced presence of vegetation, Sweet birch 0.3% Black willow 0.0% which would otherwise provide Gray birch 0.1% Tamarack (native) 0.0% cooling through shade and Total Vulnerable Trees in Norwalk 23.4% (5,800+ public trees) evapotranspiration. *A separate report details the methodology and findings, including tree species that may thrive with climate change. Norwalk’s trees face significant challenges due to the urban heat island effect, where urban areas are warmer than rural ones. Climate change has increased extremely hot days, storms, hurricanes, and flooding in Connecticut, posing health risks. Norwalk’s humid subtropical climate sees average highs from the mid-30s in winter to mid-80s in summer, with about 48 inches of annual precipitation. The City experienced a severe heatwave in July 2021, with temperatures exceeding 90 degrees for several days, leading to heat advisories. Periodic droughts and below- average precipitation have also impacted water availability and ecosystems. Norwalk is vulnerable to extreme weather events exacerbated by climate change, including heatwaves, droughts, and intense storms. 22 Page 54 of 168 SUMMARY OF TREE SPECIES VULNERABILITY TO CLIMATE CHANGE The table on the previous page shows that 23% of Norwalk’s public street trees are expected to lose their habitats due to climate change, affecting around 4,600 trees. Vulnerable species include red maple (8%), sugar maple (5%), northern red oak (4%), and flowering dogwood (3%). Notably, 13% of those vulnerable trees are maples. Fortunately, 12% of trees, like black cherry and eastern white pine, may thrive under changing conditions. However, only 58% of the public tree population is represented in this study and the vulnerability of the remaining 42% public trees remain unknown, highlighting the need for ongoing monitoring. For future tree selection, the City should focus on species that can adapt to climate change, expand their habitats, or migrate into the area within 100 years, avoiding exotic species to protect biodiversity. In addition to climate change making conditions less favorable for common trees in Norwalk, other climate-related factors may impact tree health and survival. For example: ❖ Extreme heat: Rising temperatures increase heat stress on trees, causing leaf scorch, wilting, and even death. Urban trees are particularly vulnerable due to heat-absorbing surfaces like asphalt and concrete. ❖ Drought: Higher temperatures increase water demand, stressing trees further. Urban trees also compete for water with lawns and gardens, making it harder for them to survive. ❖ Stronger storms: More intense storms can damage or uproot trees, creating hazards and leading to costly cleanup and replanting efforts. ❖ Pests and diseases: Climate change creates favorable conditions for pests like the emerald ash borer and diseases like Dutch elm disease. Oak wilt, detected in New York, can also proliferate with changing conditions. Figure 19. Example of the tree mortality spiral due to climate change ADDRESSING CLIMATE CHANGE VULNERABILITY Mitigation plans and adaptation techniques are essential to address the risks facing Norwalk’s urban forest. Diversifying tree species, planting them in suitable locations, and investing in their maintenance, irrigation, and protection are key strategies. Norwalk’s Tree Master Plan addresses many of these concerns. Norwalk’s urban forest supports healthy communities and is more effective at mitigating climate change challenges than other strategies. Trees offer solutions to urban issues by capturing and storing carbon dioxide, reducing urban heat, and adapting environments. Norwalk Connecticut Tree Master Plan 2024 | 23 Page 55 of 168 Section 1: State of Norwalk’s Urban Forest Pests and Diseases Both native and non-native insect pests and diseases affect trees and forests, especially in developed areas. Trees and the urban forest are already under stress due to the harsh urban environments which usually include poor soil quality, inadequate volume, and the urban heat island. Stressed trees are more vulnerable to insects and diseases. In Norwalk, the primary insect pest threats include nematodes vectoring beach leaf disease, spongy moth, eastern tent caterpillars, emerald ash borers, and hemlock woolly adelgid, and Asian longhorned beetles. The following images are in order of the descriptions provided in the bullet list (Source of images: UCONN Extension Forestry). COMMON TREE INSECT PESTS OF CONCERN Spotted lanternfly (Lycorma delicatula): Abbreviated as SLF, this large insect has a diverse host range feeding on about 60 genera of trees and plants found in North America. In Connecticut, many hardwoods are susceptible although there is greater threat in the agricultural industry. Spongy moth, formerly known as the gypsy moth (Lymantria dispar): The caterpillars of spongy moth defoliate tree leaves and are commonly found on oak (Quercus spp.) trees. Eastern tent caterpillar (Malacosoma americanum): These caterpillars leave silky tents nests of eggs in tree branches and once they hatch, the caterpillars defoliate leaves. Most trees can recover from eastern tent caterpillars since the feeding of leaves occurs after the tree’s growing season and toward fall season when photosynthesis processes begin to slow down, hence, the tree has already acquired the food reserves it needs for overwintering and spring growing season. Emerald ash borer (Agrilus planipennis): The emerald ash borer insect was first confirmed in Connecticut in July 2012 and was detected in Norwalk in 2018 (CT DEEP, 2022). This insect causes catastrophic loss to all true ash (Fraxinus) species. Hemlock woolly adelgid (Adelges tsugae): In Connecticut, hemlock woolly adelgid or HWA was first reported to the Connecticut Agricultural Experiment Station in New Haven in 1985 and by 1997, was found throughout the state (CAES, Hemlock Woolly Adelgid). Asian longhorned beetles (Anoplophora glabripennis): Also referred to as ALB, this invasive insect feeds on a wide variety of trees in the United States, eventually killing them. Adult beetles are large, distinctive- looking insects measuring 1 to 1.5 inches in length with long antennae. ALB’s preferred host species include maples, ash, elms, birch, poplars, sycamores, horsechestnut and buckeyes, katsuratrees, and willows (USDA APHIS). Figure 20. Examples of the tree insect pests of concern (Source: UCONN Extension Forestry) 24 Page 56 of 168 COMMON TREE DISEASES OF CONCERN Oak wilt (Ceratocystis fagacearum): Oak wilt is a primary fungal pathogen that invades the vascular system of oak trees. While all oak trees are susceptible, red oak species are the most commonly affected trees. Both red and white oak groups are found throughout the City. Dutch elm disease (Ophiostoma ulmi): Dutch elm disease (DED) is caused by a fungus that infects the vascular system of elm (Ulmus) trees. DED was found in Connecticut in 1933 in Glenville. The disease propagates on a number of different elm species, but the majority of cases have been found on American elms. Elm bark beetles are a primary vector. Beech leaf disease (the Litylenchus crenatae mccannii nematode): This microscopic roundworm can be found within the leaves of beech (Fagus americana) trees. It was recently found in Connecticut and the first sign that a tree may be affected by beech leaf disease is a yellow banding on the leaves. Leaves later turn brown and shrivel, resulting in leaf drop. Sudden oak death (Phytophthora ramorum): Sudden oak death (SOD) is caused by the fungus-like organism and was detected in CT in 2004 on nursery stock shipped from out of state. While the disease primarily threatens certain oak species on the west coast, it can infect other plants which raise concerns for Connecticut's native flora. Thousand cankers disease (Geosmithia morbida): The disease is caused by a fungus and spread by walnut twig beetles and has not yet been officially identified in Connecticut. Though some experts believe it might eventually arrive, the eastern black walnut trees may have some resistance compared to their western counterparts. Bacterial leaf scorch (Xylella fastidiosa): The bacterium is primarily a concern for oaks and maples in Connecticut. The disease clogs water transport vessels, leading to leaves browning and scorching from the edges inward. While not always fatal, it can weaken trees over time, making them more susceptible to other problems. Figure 21. Examples of the tree diseases of concern (Source: CT Tree Protective Association, UCONN Extension Forestry, and CAES) Note: The above descriptions are not intended to be a definitive guide or management strategy for tree pests and diseases, nor does it encompass all existing or potentially harmful agents. Norwalk Connecticut Tree Master Plan 2024 | 25 Page 57 of 168 Section 1: State of Norwalk’s Urban Forest VULNERABILITY OF NORWALK’S PUBLIC TREES Table 3. Susceptibility of Norwalk's public trees to harmful tree pests and diseases (Source: 2023 sample inventory extrapolated to represent 25,000 public trees) Tree Insects Host Tree Count % of 25,000 Host Tree of Concern in Public Areas Public Trees Species Counted Asian longhorned beetle 8,264 33% Maples, ash, elms, birch, sycamores, katsura, willows Spongy moth 2,357 9% Oaks Eastern tent caterpillar 1,909 8% Cherry, crabapple, plums, apples Hemlock woolly adelgid 537 2% Hemlocks Spotted lanternfly 257 1% Tree of heaven Emerald ash borer 233 1% Ash Tree Diseases Host Tree Count % of 25,000 Host Tree of Concern in Public Areas Public Trees Species Counted Bacterial leaf scorch 9,976 40% Oaks, maples Oak wilt 2,357 9% Oaks Sycamore maples, European beech, mountain Sudden oak death* 656 3% laurel, yew, viburnum Dutch elm disease 179 1% Elms Thousand cankers 72 0% Walnuts disease Beech leaf disease 24 0% Beech *The oak species susceptible to sudden oak death (SOD) are not in Norwalk's inventory or, since SOD is not found in the state yet, susceptibility of oak species found in Norwalk is unknown. Note: The prevalence of host tree species for any given tree pest or disease does not infer eradication of any given tree species in response to or to prevent a threat 26 Page 58 of 168 Stakeholders for Norwalk’s Trees Norwalk’s tree canopy brings together the people of Norwalk. Whether you are a resident enjoying the cool, clean air from tree-lined streets, or a business professional unwinding during a lunch hour stroll among the trees in Cranbury Park, we all rely on the trees of Norwalk. And the trees of Norwalk rely on us. Every person and every business within Norwalk’s boundaries impact the tree canopy and can help protect and expand it. Below is a summary of the key members shaping the future of Norwalk’s Tree Canopy. Table 4. Examples of tree-related stakeholders in Norwalk Name Roles Relating to Trees Example Programs Oversees urban forestry initiatives, tree Tree Planting Program, Norwalk Heat City of Norwalk planting, and maintenance. Vulnerability Study, Urban Forest Equity Grant. Department of Public Manages tree planting and maintenance Neighborhood Treescapes, Adopt A Tree Program. Works on City property and public rights-of-way. Recreation and Parks Enhances parklands and open spaces Tree Planting Program in parks and public spaces. Department through tree planting and maintenance. Planning and Zoning Integrates urban forestry considerations Tree Management Plan, tree preservation Department into City planning and development. ordinances. PUBLIC WORKS SIDEWALK REPAIRS RECREATION & PARKS PUBLIC SPACES PLANNING & ZONING’S ZONING REGULATIONS Norwalk Connecticut Tree Master Plan 2024 | 27 Page 59 of 168 Section 1: State of Norwalk’s Urban Forest The City of Norwalk funds tree management through various departments. The Department of Public Works (DPW) manages about 25,000 trees in the city’s right-of-way, overseeing tree removal, trimming, and yard debris operations. The Department of Recreation and Parks handles trees in public parks, schools, and buildings, collaborating with DPW on tree removal and planting. The 2024-25 budget includes funding for expanding the tree canopy and implementing the Tree Master Plan. Expanding and preserving canopy cover is supported by the following groups: Name Roles Relating to Trees Example Programs Advises on tree and shrub-related policies, Advise planting requests, tree planting, planting Norwalk Tree Advisory promotes awareness of tree care and urban native trees, planting and watering contracts as Committee forest benefits. administered by the City Arborist / Horticulturist Norwalk Tree Alliance Primary advocate for tree canopy health in Tree planting events, environmental education, (NTA) Norwalk. urban forest protection. Partners with local organizations to Micro-forest project at Meadow Street Park, Norwalk River enhance urban forestry and environmental aimed at expanding tree canopy and mitigating Watershed Association health. climate impacts; Norwalk River Watershed Plan. Collaborates on projects to protect and Partner in the micro-forest project at Meadow Norwalk Land Trust expand green spaces and urban forests. Street Park. CT Department of Provides grants and support for urban Urban Forest Equity Grant for the micro-forest Energy & Environmental forestry projects. project. Protection (DEEP) NORWALK TREE ADVISORY COMMITTEE NORWALK TREE ALLIANCE NORWALK LAND TRUST 28 Page 60 of 168 Summary of Tree Ownership and Responsibility Types Public Trees Private Trees Transportation, Mobility Planning and and Parking Department Zoning Department Recreation and Parks Department NORWALK RECREATION & PARKS DEPARTMENT, NORWALK TREE WARDEN OPERATIONS & PUBLIC WORKS DEPARTMENT, TREE NORWALK WARDEN PLANNING AND ZONING DEPARTMENT Figure 22. Illustration of the ownership and authority types for trees in Norwalk Norwalk Connecticut Tree Master Plan 2024 | 29 Page 61 of 168 Section 1: State of Norwalk’s Urban Forest Tree-related Plans and Regulations Table 5. Summary of select City plans in regard to the alignment with Norwalk's Tree Master Plan City Document Purpose Urban Forestry Alignment Key Policies or Goals Potential Conflicts Norwalk Plan of Conservation Guide growth and Promote balanced growth, Balancing and Emphasizes open space and development, protect natural resources, development with Development recreation systems protect resources enhance urban green spaces conservation Growing Shade Improve tree & Enhancing Increase tree canopy cover, canopy, Directly focused on urban Potential costs and the Urban improve air quality, reduce urban environmental forestry maintenance Canopy heat island effect health (WestCOG) 2023 Rec Playbook: City Develop Provide high-quality parks, of Norwalk sustainable parks Includes tree planting and enhance environmental Funding and resource Recreation & and recreation maintenance sustainability, promote physical allocation Parks Master facilities and mental health Plan (DRAFT) Norwalk Enhance connectivity and Transportation Improve Space allocation for Incorporates green mobility, promote sustainable Master Plan transportation trees vs. infrastructure transportation, integrate green infrastructure transportation needs infrastructure City of Norwalk, CT Zoning Protect property values, ensure Development Regulate land use Supports green spaces and Regulations compatible land use, preserve pressures vs. green and development tree preservation green spaces space preservation Norwalk Ensure safety and accessibility for Create safe, Complete all users, promote sustainable Balancing street space accessible streets Includes street tree planting Streets Project transportation, integrate green for trees and traffic for all users infrastructure Norwalk Prioritize water-dependent uses, Industrial use vs. Industrial Plan for waterfront Considers environmental enhance public access, improve environmental Waterfront development impacts and green buffers environmental resilience preservation Land Use Plan 30 Page 62 of 168 Norwalk Plan of Conservation and Development Summary Overview The Norwalk Plan of Conservation and Development (POCD) is a comprehensive guide for the City’s growth and development. It aims to balance economic growth with environmental sustainability, enhance the quality of life for residents, and preserve natural resources. Key Goals: Promote balanced economic growth. Protect and enhance the natural environment. Improve infrastructure and public services. Foster community Table 6. Example of an action in the Plan of Conservation and and cultural facilities. Enhance transportation systems. Development that supports the Tree Master Plan Ensure sustainable urban design and zoning practices. POCD Category Alignment with Urban Forest Management Natural - Preservation of waterways (coastal and inland) Environment - Improvement of air quality - Promotion of sustainable practices in waste management, energy use, and building designs - Support for tree planting programs Urban Forest - Development of green corridors - Mitigation of urban heat island effect through urban forestry - Expansion and improvement of parks, trails, and recreational facilities Human Health - Enhancement of air and water quality - Increased access to natural spaces Other - Implementation of climate resilience strategies Environmental - Conservation of biodiversity Factors - Encouragement of energy-efficient buildings and infrastructure Urban Forest - Integration with POCD through tree planting and maintenance Management - Allocation of funding and resources for urban forestry programs - Community involvement in urban forestry initiatives Support for - Improvement of air quality, reduction of stormwater runoff, and enhancement of biodiversity POCD - Enhancement of City’s aesthetic appeal and provision of recreational opportunities - Mitigation of climate change impacts Norwalk Connecticut Tree Master Plan 2024 | 31 Page 63 of 168 Section 1: State of Norwalk’s Urban Forest 2023 Recreation and Parks Master Plan Playbook Summary Overview The City of Norwalk’s 2023 Recreation & Parks Master Plan (draft), or Rec Playbook, updates the 1996 plan to address evolving community needs. It identifies current and future needs through demographic analysis, park evaluations, and public engagement, outlining a long-term vision with strategies for the next five years. The plan highlights the benefits of parks, such as promoting health, enhancing sustainability, providing economic benefits, fostering social cohesion, preserving cultural heritage, increasing property values, and promoting tourism. It also discusses trends like neighborhood parks, Table 7. Example of an objective in the Recreation & Parks Master Plan recreation centers as community hubs, adventure Playbook that supports the Tree Master Plan recreation, and the use of technology in parks. Goal / Strategy Alignment with Urban Forest Management - Parks serve as natural buffers against climate change, absorb CO2, and reduce Enhancing Environmental Sustainability urban heat island effects. Stormwater Management - Parks act as sponges during large storm events, helping to manage stormwater and reduce flooding. Promoting Biodiversity - Parks provide habitats for wildlife and promote biodiversity, which is crucial for a healthy urban forest. Climate Change Mitigation - The plan includes strategies to use parks for climate change mitigation, such as planting more trees. Community Engagement - Engaging the community in the planning and maintenance of urban forests to ensure their sustainability. 32 Page 64 of 168 Norwalk’s Zoning Regulations Figure 23. Example site standard for General Urban - Corridor Community District in Norwalk's Zoning Regulations The updated zoning regulations, effective February 19, 2024, include provisions for tree plantings on private property and emphasize environmental sustainability and urban forest management. The following provides a high-level summary of key sections pertaining to Norwalk’s trees, canopy, and/or the urban forest. For details, view the City’s Zoning Regulations or Appendix ## of this Plan. 4.3.12.C.18 Parking Lot Regulations 4.3.16 Private Landscape Standards and C. Design: 6.2 Grading, Tree Removal, and Drainage: • Landscape Islands: Parking areas with ten or more spaces • The City of Norwalk’s Zoning Regulations emphasize the must include at least one landscape island for every ten importance of maintaining landscaping, including trees and spaces, distributed throughout the lot. Each island must vegetative cover, to support the urban forest. contain at least one shade tree unless covered by a solar • Property owners must keep plantings healthy through panel. regular maintenance such as watering, mulching, and • Tree Placement: For every 2,000 square feet of parking area, pruning. at least one tree must be installed or preserved. No parking • Dead or diseased plants must be replaced, and natural space should be more than 72 feet from a tree. water courses within buffers maintained. Approval is • Bioswales and Rain Gardens: Landscape islands can be required to remove significant trees or walls, and plant designed as bioswales or rain gardens to enhance materials must meet specific standards, including being stormwater management. native to Connecticut. • Buffer Zones: Rows of parking fronting drive aisles must • Trees and shrubs must be strategically placed to avoid have a minimum five-foot landscaped buffer. conflicts with infrastructure and ensure safety. • Tree Counting: Trees within 20 feet of the parking area, • These regulations aim to enhance canopy cover, control including those in street rights-of-way and civic spaces, can erosion, and promote a sustainable urban environment. count towards tree requirements. Norwalk Connecticut Tree Master Plan 2024 | 33 Page 65 of 168 Section 1: State of Norwalk’s Urban Forest Norwalk’s Tree Ordinance Figure 24. Example activities relating to Norwalk's Tree Ordinance (Left: measuring Specimen Trees, image courtesy of Norwalk Hour. Right: tree removal notice by Eversource, image courtesy of Nancy on Norwalk) The 2021 Tree Ordinance expands the Tree Warden’s role, establishes a legacy tree program, requires developers to protect tree root zones, fines unauthorized tree removal, and creates a Norwalk Tree Account for funding tree planting. The following provides a high-level summary of Chapter 112 Trees. For details, see the City’s Code or Appendix ## of this Plan. 112-3. Tree Warden: 112-5. Legacy Tree Program: • The Chief of Operations and Public Works designates a Tree • The Tree Advisory Committee catalogs legacy trees with Warden and Deputy Tree Wardens to enforce tree public input, and the Tree Warden maintains records and regulations. makes the list available to the public. • The Tree Warden prepares permits, maintains records, and Planting, Altering, Damaging, Removing Trees (112.6 – 112-8): provides annual reports. They are advised by the Tree • The public is encouraged to support planting trees or shrubs Advisory Committee. in public areas, with permit applications reviewed by the Tree Advisory Committee. Permits are required for altering, • The Tree Warden assesses and manages hazardous trees damaging, or removing city trees. Unauthorized actions can and shrubs, determines their value, and conducts tree result in fines up to $250 per tree or shrub. The Tree Warden canopy assessments, updated every 10 years. can issue citations and stop-work orders. • The Tree Warden can issue citations, authorize tree removals, Tree Protection and Replacement (112-9 – 112.10): and recommend a budget for the Norwalk Tree Account. • Replacement of city trees or shrubs must follow specific guidelines, and construction projects near city trees must 112-4. Tree Advisory Committee: adhere to ANSI standards. The Norwalk Tree Account funds • Composed of five members appointed by the Mayor and urban forestry activities, supported by fines, fees, and other approved by the Common Council, advises on tree-related contributions. issues, develops a Master Tree Plan, and creates an annual Enforcement, Exemptions, and Appeals (112.13 – 112.15): State of the Forest report to guide urban forestry. • Violations of tree regulations are enforced by the Tree Warden through notifications, stop-work orders, fines, and civil actions, with exemptions for emergency or permitted actions, and decisions can be appealed. 34 Page 66 of 168 Norwalk’s Complete Streets Policy Figure 25. Example of a Complete Street on Calf Pasture Beach Road in Norwalk (Source: Complete Streets Public Workshop, September 28, 2023 The Complete Streets Policy and Design Manual, currently under development, will incorporate tree installations and stormwater management techniques, promoting a sustainable and accessible streetscape. The following provides a high-level summary of Norwalk’s Complete Streets Policy. For details, visit the City’s website. Complete Streets Ordinance and Policy (as of September 3, 2024 Common Council Complete Streets Design Guide: Ordinance Committee Special Meeting agenda) Summary: (In progress) Described in the • Purpose: Norwalk aims to be livable, sustainable, and equitable by implementing City of Norwalk’s Ordinance Complete Streets, prioritizing safety, reducing traffic, and increasing mobility. Committee’s meeting notes as, • Definitions: Complete Streets is a network prioritizing safety, convenience, and equitable “The practical, working manual access, including enhancements like trees and lighting. that provides standards and guidance on the planning, • Policy and Design Guide: Promotes a connected Mobility System for all neighborhoods, design, and building of all current aiming to eliminate traffic fatalities and boost economic vitality. The Design Guide will be and future streets in the City to developed, reviewed every 24 months, and used by all City departments. meet the objectives of this • Responsibilities: The Coordinator ensures compliance, administers projects, maintains the Chapter. The Design Guide is Design Guide, approves plans, and monitors/report on compliance. applied by the City and its • Implementation and Exemptions: The Design Guide applies to all projects, adopted into relevant departments tasked the Master Plan, with a 3-year improvement schedule. Exemptions are granted if legally with the implementation of required or minimal impact. Complete Streets.” • Exceptions and Reporting: Exceptions are needed when projects can’t meet standards, with a detailed approval process. Annual reports on projects and progress are submitted to the Common Council. The Chapter is effective upon completion of the Design Guide or 30 days after adoption. Norwalk Connecticut Tree Master Plan 2024 | 35 Page 67 of 168 Section 1: State of Norwalk’s Urban Forest Indicators of a Sustainable Urban Forest To assess Norwalk’s urban forest, the Indicators of a Sustainable Urban Forest, a comprehensive assessment tool, was used during the Plan development process (Clark, et al., 1997; Kenney, et al., 2011). The Indicators, in three broad categories – The Trees, The Management, and The People, use urban forestry industry standards and best management practices to evaluate and rate Norwalk’s trees, how they are managed, and the level of community engagement / awareness there is around trees and urban forestry. After initial research, data reviews, internal staff meetings, and benchmarking, the Forest Service’s Urban Forest Sustainability and Management Audit System (Abbott, et al., 2015) was used to rank 130 urban forestry elements. This ranking provided context for scoring each indicator in the Sustainable Urban Forest framework. Norwalk’s performance for each indicator was rated as low, medium, or high based on gathered data and feedback from the project team and staff. The assessment identified improvement areas for Norwalk’s urban forest and informed the Plan’s goals and strategies. Understanding the current state of the urban forest is the first step toward prioritizing trees and creating a sustainable, resilient urban forest. This baseline assessment may be used by Norwalk’s new City Arborist/Horticulturist in future planning efforts and updates to the 2024 Tree Master Plan. The following provides a final summary of the audit based on the input and feedback gathered on previous drafts from City staff and interested parties. Detailed results are provided in Appendix B. Norwalk was assessed on 30 sustainable urban forest indicators. The performance levels for each indicator were determined based on data, information, and input from the community and City staff with guidance from urban forestry planners at PlanIT Geo. The following summarizes Norwalk’s overall performance level for each category: The Trees: LOW (6 out of 7 indicators = Low) Determined based on analysis of existing data and information. The Management: LOW-MODERATE (6 out of 12 indicators = Low) Determined based on the surveys, meetings, program operations review, policy review, benchmarking research, and analysis of existing data. The People: MODERATE (9 out of 11 indicators = Moderate) Determined by evaluations of existing community frameworks and information shared during surveys, meetings, and events. 36 Page 68 of 168 Summary Evaluation Table Table 8. Norwalk's urban forest evaluation (2023-24) using the Indicators of a Sustainable Urban Forest (Source: Clark, et al., 1997 and Kenney, et al. 2011) EVALUATION OF URBAN FOREST INDICATORS FOR NORWALK, CT Low Moderate Good Tree Canopy Cover ● Location of Canopy (Equitable Distribution) ● Age of Trees (Size and Age Distribution) ● The Trees Condition of Publicly-Owned Trees ● Trees on Private Property ● Diversity / Pest Vulnerability ● Tree and Site Suitability ● Tree Inventory ● Canopy Assessment ● Plans and Programs: Management Plan ● Plans and Programs: Risk Management ● Plans and Programs: Planting ● Plans and Programs: Disaster Management ● The Management Maintenance of Publicly-Owned Trees ● City Staffing and Equipment ● Funding ● Tree Protection Policy ● Standards and Best Practices ● Communication ● Neighborhood Action ● Large Landholder Involvement ● Green Industry Involvement ● City Department/Agency Coordination ● Funder Engagement ● The People Utility Engagement ● Developer Engagement ● Public Awareness ● Regional Collaboration ● State Agency Engagement ● City Boards and Commissions ● 14 15 1 Totals 47% 50% 3% Norwalk Connecticut Tree Master Plan 2024 | 37 Page 69 of 168 Section 1: State of Norwalk’s Urban Forest INTERPRETATION OF RESULTS Table 9. Example of how the evaluation of urban forest indicators is used for developing Plan strategies and recommendations Category Indicator Score Example Strategy for Consideration Tree Canopy Cover Low Plant new trees annually in under-canopied areas. Location of Canopy (Equitable Distribution) Moderate Survey neighborhoods with low canopy and prioritize planting. Age of Trees (Size and Age Distribution) Low Develop a planting schedule that diversifies ages. Condition of Publicly-Owned Trees Low Implement bi-annual health assessments and secure funding. The Trees Launch a campaign to encourage private tree planting with Trees on Private Property Low incentives. Diversity / Pest Vulnerability Moderate Ensure no single species exceeds 10% of the urban forest. Tree and Site Suitability Low Conduct soil and site assessments before planting. Tree Inventory Low Complete a comprehensive tree inventory within two years. Canopy Assessment Good Maintain annual canopy assessments. Plans and Programs: Management Plan Moderate Update the management plan every five years. Plans and Programs: Risk Management Low Develop and implement a risk management plan. Plans and Programs: Planting Moderate Establish a yearly planting program with specific targets. The Plans and Programs: Disaster Management Low Create a disaster response plan for urban forestry. Management Maintenance of Publicly-Owned Trees Low Increase the budget for tree maintenance. City Staffing and Equipment Low Hire additional arborists and purchase modern equipment. Funding Moderate Secure additional funding through grants and partnerships. Tree Protection Policy Moderate Develop and enforce a tree protection ordinance. Standards and Best Practices Low Adopt and implement industry standards and best practices. Communication Moderate Enhance public communication on urban forestry projects. Neighborhood Action Moderate Establish neighborhood tree committees. Large Landholder Involvement Low Partner with large landholders for tree planting. Green Industry Involvement Low Collaborate with local nurseries and landscaping companies. City Department/Agency Coordination Moderate Improve coordination between City departments. Funder Engagement Low Engage with potential funders for financial support. The People Utility Engagement Low Work with utility companies to manage trees near infrastructure. Developer Engagement Low Require developers to include tree planting in project plans. Public Awareness Moderate Launch educational campaigns on urban forestry benefits. Regional Collaboration Moderate Collaborate with neighboring municipalities. State Agency Engagement Moderate Partner with state agencies for aligned efforts. City Boards and Commissions Moderate Involve City boards and commissions in planning. These example strategies show how the evaluation results can inform the Plan. 38 Page 70 of 168 Current State of the Urban Forest Summary Section 1 provides an in-depth analysis of Norwalk’s urban forest using available data. It categorizes tree ownership by public and private sectors and examines the landscapes where these trees thrive. The section highlights the citywide tree canopy cover, detailing its distribution across neighborhoods and the region, and compares it with other communities. Tree Equity Scores show the correlation between canopy cover, sociodemographic data, and urban heat. The 2023 sample inventory in South Norwalk offers insights into the composition of public trees, examining their types, sizes, conditions, and maintenance needs. It projects an estimated 25,000 trees in maintained public spaces and assesses their vulnerability to climate change, pests, diseases, and other stressors. The section reviews current frameworks, programs, and regulations for managing Norwalk’s urban forest, summarizing stakeholders and cross- Figure 26. Healthy trees coexisting with examining City plans for urban forestry implications. It also reviews Norwalk’s other infrastructure illustrating the Zoning Regulations, Tree Ordinance, and Complete Streets Policy. connection between Section 1 and 2 of this Plan (Source: WestCOG, 2018) The Indicators of a Sustainable Urban Forest consolidate planning results into an evaluation framework that examines urban forestry elements related to trees, management programs, and people. This framework serves as a foundation for developing the Plan’s strategies and monitoring implementation progress. The insights emphasize the need for a comprehensive public tree inventory, ongoing canopy cover assessments, and monitoring of threats to the urban forest. Enforcing tree protection and preservation requirements will ensure continuous environmental, social, and economic benefits. Data-driven decisions will be more cost-effective and resourceful. The section also highlights the need to adequately staff the Urban Forestry Program. Section 2 builds on this by exploring the benefits of trees, the challenges they face, and the potential for integrating trees into broader City planning efforts. It emphasizes how urban forestry can be incorporated into programs and projects to address current and future challenges and supports the City’s goals for increasing canopy cover, enhancing sustainability, and resilience. Norwalk Connecticut Tree Master Plan 2024 | 39 Page 71 of 168 Section 1: State of Norwalk’s Urban Forest 40 Page 72 of 168 SECTION 2: MANAGEMENT IMPORTANCE Gain insights and new perspectives on how Norwalk’s urban forest provides benefits and services to the community, the environment, and the economy if challenges are adequately addressed, and trees are incorporated into City green infrastructure. Norwalk Connecticut Tree Master Plan 2024 | 41 Page 73 of 168 Section 2: Management Importance A Closer Look at the Benefits of Trees A diverse and healthy urban forest works to the benefit of the community, the environment, and the economy. The following is a summary of key benefits and services of trees, nature, and greenspaces in urban areas that was compiled from research to develop Norwalk’s Tree Master Plan. A separate study and report accompany this section. Reduce Stress and Improve the Quality of Life Save Energy and Lower Energy Costs for Trees make cities more livable by cooling summer Buildings temperatures and enhancing well-being. Natural Trees act as natural screens, insulating environments reduce stress, improve performance, homes and businesses from extreme and decrease sick days. Residents in greener areas weather. Shade trees can reduce summer are three times more likely to be active and less cooling costs by up to 50%, while evergreen likely to be overweight. trees block cold winter winds. Mitigate Climate Change Impacts Conserve Water and Soil Trees absorb carbon dioxide and store carbon in Trees’ roots absorb water and their canopy wood, which helps to reduce greenhouse gases. slows rainfall, reducing runoff, erosion, and Carbon emissions from vehicles, industries, and contaminants. In contrast, impervious power plants are a primary contributor to surfaces like roads and parking lots increase increased air temperatures in cities. In one year, runoff, flooding, and water quality issues. an acre of mature trees can absorb CO2 Cooler Pavement Diminishes Urban Heat equivalent to a car driving 26,000 miles. Islands Clean the Air and Breathe Easier Tree canopies cool temperatures by Trees produce oxygen and clean the air by shading buildings, asphalt, and concrete. removing pollutants that would otherwise They deflect sunlight and release contribute to human health problems such as moisture, reducing surface asthma and other respiratory diseases. temperatures by up to 36 degrees. This lowers fumes from heated asphalt and Protect Wildlife and Ecosystems mitigates the urban heat island effect. Preserving and planting trees provides valuable habitat for wildlife, supports pollinator species, Other benefits include bolstering property and provides favorable conditions for beneficial values, reduced pavement wear, traffic soil microorganisms. Conversely, wildlife can calming, public safety, among others. Continue support trees. For example, wildlife may serve as reading for details about social and pollinators or act in seed dispersal. environmental benefits of trees. 42 Page 74 of 168 Social and Human Health Benefits of Trees Trees come in various forms— shade trees, flowering trees, trees with edible fruit and nuts, and trees with vibrant fall color. All types contribute benefits and services to the urban ecosystem— an ecosystem that brings nature into cities through tree canopy, parks, and interconnected greenspace. Many environmental benefits of trees in urban areas are identifiable and measurable, while other benefits are tangential and experiential, such as the feeling of walking a quiet tree-covered trail. The following provides a summary of the social and human health benefits of trees and greenspaces. The urban forest brings a myriad of social and health benefits to Norwalk’s communities. Park and street trees create a sense of community, offering opportunities for people to come together and engage in various activities. These shared spaces foster a sense of belonging and connection among residents. Additionally, Norwalk’s urban forest provides a respite from the hustle and bustle of city life, offering peaceful retreats where individuals can relax, unwind, and enjoy nature. Research summarized in the following paragraphs shows the presence of trees and greenery in urban areas reduces stress, improves mental well-being, and encourages physical activity, all of which contribute to healthier and happier communities. Moreover, Norwalk’s urban forest creates opportunities for environmental education and volunteering, inspiring residents to learn about nature, participate in tree planting initiatives, and engage in environmental stewardship. Figure 27. Illustrative summary of the human health and social benefits of trees Norwalk Connecticut Tree Master Plan 2024 | 43 Page 75 of 168 Section 2: Management Importance Norwalk’s urban forest enhances social interactions, well-being, health, and community engagement, making the City more livable. Studies show that trees and vegetation in parks relate to neighborhood safety and social activity, strengthening social ties (Kim et al., 2020). Encounters with nature improve attitudes, reduce stress, and enhance cognitive performance (Wolf et al., 2020). Tree canopy cover and greenspaces encourage physical activity. Greenspace within two miles of a home correlates with better health, especially among the elderly and lower socioeconomic groups. Residents in greener areas are three times more likely Figure 28. A trail connecting Norwalk to Danbury (Source: NewsTimes, 2023) to be active (Ulmer et al., 2016). Urban nature views or experiences boost mental well- being, happiness, and stress reduction (White et al., 2013). More tree cover near schools improves student performance. Children with concentration challenges focus better after a 20-minute walk in a park or tree-lined area (Taylor et al., 2009). Trees connect children to nature. Healthcare and insurance industries focus on the link between natural settings and health. Trees and greenspaces increase longevity, reduce cancer and heart disease risks, alleviate anxiety and depression, improve immune function, and lower stress hormones. A 2016 study of 108,000 people found a 12% lower mortality rate among those with the most greenery within 820 feet of their homes (James et al., 2016). Hospital patients with nature views have shorter stays (Mihandoust et al., 2021). 44 Page 76 of 168 Quantifying Tree Benefits and Services The benefits of trees in the urban setting were once considered to be unquantifiable. However, by using extensive scientific studies and practical research, these benefits can now be confidently calculated using tree inventory and canopy assessment information. Tree benefit values for the City of Norwalk’s trees are summarized below using the findings from the 2022 Urban Tree Canopy (UTC) Assessment. Since the City does not have a comprehensive inventory of public trees, research is used to provide estimates, although the sample did determine that $19,894 in annual ecosystem benefits or services are generated from the 4,190 trees sampled. The benefits for the citywide urban forest are based on the acres of canopy determined from the 2022 canopy assessment and calculated using the U.S. Forest Service’s i-Tree Canopy tool. The following summarizes the benefits of Norwalk’s 43% tree canopy. Figure 29. Summary of the annual benefits and services provided by Norwalk’s urban forest (6,218 acres of tree canopy according to the 2022 urban tree canopy assessment study. Values are based on i-Tree Eco, www.itreetools.org) Norwalk Connecticut Tree Master Plan 2024 | 45 Page 77 of 168 Section 2: Management Importance Addressing Challenges to Maximize Investments The table below highlights the diverse challenges confronting Norwalk’s urban forest, such as climate change, poor soil conditions, pests, development pressures, conflicting priorities, and limited resources. Each challenge underscores the significance of urban forest management, as guided by the Tree Master Plan. By tackling these issues through strategic planning, community involvement, and consistent funding, Norwalk can ensure its urban forest flourishes, delivering essential ecosystem services and improving the quality of life for all residents. Effective urban forest management can also maximize the long-term benefits provided by trees, ensuring these benefits are distributed sustainably and equitably across the community. Table 10. Summary of current and potential challenges facing Norwalk's urban forest and the importance of proper management Challenge Description Importance of Urban Forest Management Increasing temperatures and changing Implementing adaptive management Climate Change precipitation patterns stress trees and reduce strategies to select climate-resilient tree their lifespan. More frequent severe storms. species and ensure long-term sustainability. Enhancing soil quality through amendments Poor Soil or Lack of Soil Urban environments often have compacted, and ensuring adequate soil volume for root Volume nutrient-poor soils that limit tree growth. growth to support healthy trees. Monitoring and managing pest and disease Invasive species and diseases can decimate Pests and Diseases outbreaks to protect tree health and tree populations. biodiversity. Trees compete with sidewalks, roads, and Planning and designing urban spaces to Competition for Space with buildings for space, leading to limited growth accommodate trees, using techniques like Hardscape and health issues. permeable pavements and structural soils. Enforcing tree protection ordinances and Urban development often leads to tree integrating tree planting into development Development Pressure removal and reduced canopy cover. projects to maintain and enhance canopy cover. 46 Page 78 of 168 Figure 30. Examples of challenges facing Norwalk's trees— Left: Hurricane Sandy (Nancy on Norwalk); Middle: Hurricane Ida (The Hour); Right: tree management to prevent or mitigate issues (Norwalk Tree Alliance) Challenge Description Importance of Urban Forest Management Urban areas often face challenges with Utilizing trees to manage stormwater through Stormwater Management stormwater runoff, which can erode soil and natural absorption and filtration, reducing damage tree roots. runoff and improving water quality. Planting trees to filter pollutants, improve air Pollution from vehicles and industry can harm Air Quality quality, and provide health benefits to trees and reduce air quality. residents. Engaging the community through education Lack of community involvement can lead to and volunteer programs to foster a sense of Community Engagement neglect and vandalism of urban trees. ownership and stewardship for the urban forest. Integrating trees with other urban elements Coordinating efforts across different sectors Managing the Entire Urban like green spaces, water bodies, and wildlife to create a cohesive and sustainable urban Ecosystem habitats. ecosystem that benefits all living organisms. Securing long-term funding through grants, Ensuring consistent and adequate funding to public-private partnerships, and municipal Stable Funding support tree planting, maintenance, and budgets to match the needs of the urban urban forest programs. forest and its management programs. Norwalk Connecticut Tree Master Plan 2024 | 47 Page 79 of 168 Section 2: Management Importance Benefits of Trees as Critical Infrastructure The Tree Master Plan equips Norwalk with a strategic framework to manage its urban forest as essential infrastructure, enhancing climate resilience, public health, and the overall quality of life for its residents. The following provides examples of how trees can be more integrated into city infrastructure planning, design, and management: Climate Mitigation: Trees absorb carbon dioxide and other pollutants, helping to reduce greenhouse gas emissions. By sequestering carbon, they play a vital role in mitigating climate change and improving air quality. Temperature Regulation: Urban trees provide shade and release moisture through transpiration, which helps to cool the air. This reduces the urban heat island effect, making cities more comfortable during hot weather and decreasing the need for air conditioning. Stormwater Management: Trees intercept rainfall and facilitate water infiltration into the soil, reducing runoff and the risk of flooding. Their root systems also help to stabilize soil and prevent erosion, contributing to better stormwater management. Public Health: Trees improve air quality by filtering pollutants and providing oxygen. They also offer spaces for recreation and relaxation, which can reduce stress and promote physical activity, contributing to overall public health. Biodiversity and Habitat: Urban trees provide habitats for various species of birds, insects, and other wildlife. This enhances urban biodiversity and creates more resilient ecosystems within city environments. Social and Economic Benefits: Trees enhance the aesthetic appeal of urban areas, which can increase property values and attract businesses. They also foster community engagement by providing green spaces for social interaction and cultural activities. 48 Page 80 of 168 Norwalk is making significant strides in integrating trees with urban infrastructure, highlighting their critical role in enhancing city life. The Norwalk Tree Alliance advocates for tree canopy health, native tree planting, and environmental education. Projects like the Calf Pasture Beach Parking Lot and Green Infrastructure Project demonstrate the City’s commitment to sustainability by managing stormwater runoff and planting native vegetation. Collaboration with UConn’s CIRCA on the Heat Vulnerability Study uses tree data to inform climate resilience strategies. The Tree Master Plan supports these efforts and aligns with the Complete Streets Policy (draft as of October 2024), promoting safer, more accessible streetscapes, improved stormwater management, and enhanced public health, making trees a vital part of Norwalk’s infrastructure. Figure 31. Parking and green infrastructure design and construction at Calf Pasture Beach (Source: Nancy on Norwalk, 2023) Norwalk Connecticut Tree Master Plan 2024 | 49 Page 81 of 168 Section 2: Management Importance The Vital Role of Urban Forest Management in Strengthening Norwalk’s Community Norwalk’s tree and urban forestry programs are designed to foster community engagement, education, and inclusivity. The Norwalk Tree Alliance, for instance, plays a pivotal role in educating residents about the environmental benefits of trees and involving them in tree planting activities. Programs like the Free Tree initiative enable homeowners to beautify their neighborhoods without financial burden, ensuring that even those from underserved communities can participate. Additionally, the City’s tree planting program, managed by the Department of Public Works, focuses on enhancing parklands and streetscapes, which not only improves the urban environment but also provides educational opportunities for residents to learn about tree care and the importance of urban forestry. Source: Norwalk Tree Alliance The Tree Master Plan strengthens these efforts while addressing missed opportunities and removing barriers to participation by emphasizing equity and inclusivity. It includes provisions for planting trees in areas that have historically lacked green spaces, ensuring that all neighborhoods benefit from the environmental and social advantages of a robust urban forest. The Plan also involves community members in the decision-making process, allowing them to have a say in the types of trees planted and their locations. By doing so, it fosters a sense of ownership and responsibility among residents, making it easier for them to integrate tree care into their daily lives despite other challenges. This comprehensive approach ensures that the benefits of Norwalk’s urban forestry programs are accessible to all, promoting a healthier, more sustainable community for everyone. 50 Page 82 of 168  The Role of Soil for Effective Management Research consistently highlights the critical role of healthy soil in growing healthy trees and supporting the community. For instance, the Natural Resources Conservation Service emphasizes that soil health is essential for sustaining plant and animal life, filtering pollutants, cycling nutrients, and providing physical stability. Healthy soil supports tree growth, which in turn stabilizes soil, increases aeration and water infiltration, and adds nutrients to the soil. This symbiotic relationship enhances ecological balance and sustainability, benefiting the entire community. Large trees offer numerous benefits, but ensuring they have a planting area that allows them to grow to their full size requires careful planning. Studies have shown that a tree’s ability to establish, grow to its full potential, and remain healthy is largely dependent on soil volume. In Norwalk, if too little soil is available, trees will not reach their full size. Trees without adequate soil volume tend to be short-lived and do not function long-term as useful components of the City’s infrastructure. The following techniques should be used to enhance the effectiveness and longevity of urban trees in Norwalk: ❖ Tree Pits/Trenches: Areas cut out in sidewalks to provide more capacity to intercept stormwater and return moisture into the soil. ❖ Structural Soil: Continuous soil under pavements to provide for root growth. ❖ Structural Cells: Modular, pre-engineered cell systems that create large soil- filled spaces under the pavement. Structural Soil Silva Cell ❖ Permeable Pavement: Allows water to infiltrate through void space; used in Figure 32. Examples of newer technology conjunction with the above techniques. available for creating adequate soil volume (Source: DeepRoot) Norwalk Connecticut Tree Master Plan 2024 | 51 Page 83 of 168 Section 2: Management Importance 52 Figure 33. Illustration of how cities are incorporating green infrastructure to help with storm surges (Source: Norwalk Tomorrow) Page 84 of 168 SECTION 3: UNDERSTANDING NORWALK’S PRIORITIES Learn about the community’s priorities relating to trees in Norwalk and how this feedback helped guide the development of the Plan’s goals and strategies. Norwalk Connecticut Tree Master Plan 2024 | 53 Page 85 of 168 Section 3: Understanding Norwalk’s Priorities Community Insights on Urban Forest Priorities Internal and external engagement is critical to the success of a plan for community trees. By engaging with Norwalk’s staff, residents, businesses, community partners, and other interested parties, urban forestry staff are given a better understanding of the needs and concerns of the community. Engagement was conducted throughout the development of Norwalk’s Plan and the feedback and input gathered helped shape a plan that represents the needs of all community members in Norwalk. The engagement conducted throughout the development of the Plan also helps to build ongoing support for the urban forest and ensures the Plan is implemented effectively and collaboratively. City Staff Engagement and Feedback Staff Survey Summary An internal stakeholder survey was launched from January to February 2024 via Google Forms. The survey aimed to gather insights from internal staff and stakeholders whose work directly or indirectly involves Norwalk’s trees. A total of 23 responses were received representing five groups: Core Team, Oversight Group, City Planning, Common Council, and other key staff. Participating departments, boards, and committees included Public Works, Recreation and Parks, Planning and Zoning, Common Council, the Tree Advisory Committee, and others. Participants were asked to identify strengths, challenges, needs, and opportunities related to tree management. The greatest challenge was climate-related impacts to the environment (74%), followed by sustainability concerns (61%), and budget issues (57%). To address these challenges, the strategies, programs, or resources participants would like to see include FAQs about the urban forest for the public (78%), integration of trees into CIP projects (61%), and more resources for improved tree maintenance, species selection, and planting site selection (61%). When asked about priorities and desired outcomes, participants would like to have a comprehensive inventory (65%); a tree maintenance plan (52%); public education programs (43%); adequate staffing levels for tree management (43%); and resources for implementing best practices and standards (39%). Participants were also asked to select the top three urban forest benefits that the Tree Master Plan should support. The results included addressing the effects of climate change by reducing air and surface temperatures (61%), controlling stormwater runoff and erosion while improving water quality (52%), and beautifying the City (48%). 54 Page 86 of 168 Survey results revealed common themes across departments, and these insights informed subsequent staff interviews. The results of the internal stakeholder survey and the interviews were utilized in drafting the Tree Master Plan’s goals and strategies along with providing context to existing conditions and operations relating to Norwalk’s trees. A summary infographic provides highlights from the survey and is accompanied by a separate summary report. Figure 34. Summary of the process and results of the internal stakeholder survey held in 2024 to gather feedback for Norwalk's Tree Master Plan Norwalk Connecticut Tree Master Plan 2024 | 55 Page 87 of 168 Section 3: Understanding Norwalk’s Priorities Staff Interviews In January and February 2024, remote meetings were conducted with various City departments and groups to gain a comprehensive understanding of Norwalk’s existing structures, workflows, and responsibilities related to public and private trees. These meetings aimed to identify shared strengths, concerns, and priorities, as well as establish success metrics and desired outcomes for Norwalk’s Tree Master Plan (TMP). As a result, the City of Norwalk will have a plan that supports goals, policies, and programs across departments to streamline urban forest management, strengthen communications, and support sustainable and resourceful practices. The meetings started with an overview presentation and then addressed four key questions about departmental responsibilities, strengths, challenges, and desired outcomes for tree management. Themes like management, policy, maintenance, staffing, and planting guided the discussions. A total of 24 City staff, Common Council members, and board/committee members participated. In addition to the internal stakeholder meetings, an online survey of internal stakeholders received 23 responses. 13 of the 24 meeting participants also completed the survey. As a result, a total of 34 unique City staff, Common Council, and board/committee members were engaged in the effort to develop the Tree Master Plan. Accompanied by graphics summarizing the interview process and discussion topics (detailed in a separate report), this comprehensive engagement process resulted in a Plan aligned with City goals, policies, and programs. Table 11. Summary of groups interviewed to inform the development of the Tree Master Plan 56 Page 88 of 168 Table 12. Summary of the feedback received from the internal stakeholder interviews Strengths Challenges, Needs, Issues Desired Outcomes • Regulations, Ordinances, • Inter-department • Utilize TreePlotter and Policy Support Coordination Inventory Software • Liability and Risk • Evaluate Urban Forestry Management Program • Community Partners and • Funding and Budget Grant Funding Needs • Preventative Maintenance • Staffing and Equipment Program Needs • Improved Policy • Tree Preservation and • Public Education and Alignment, Language, and Maintenance Engagement Incentives • Data and Inventory • Rights-of-Way and • Staff Experience and Management Complete Streets Training • Policy and Regulatory Opportunities Framework • Storm Response and • Dedicated Tree Division • Tree Planting Recovery • Canopy Cover Growth • Invasive Species and Pest • Tree Benefit Management • Tree Advisory Committee Quantification • New Tree Maintenance and Monitoring • Liability and Risk • Environmental and Equity Management • Inventory and Mapping Considerations • Coordination among Tree Tools • Trees Management, Groups Private Property, and Utilities Norwalk Connecticut Tree Master Plan 2024 | 57 Page 89 of 168 Section 3: Understanding Norwalk’s Priorities Community Engagement The Norwalk community was engaged during the planning process to raise awareness and provide channels for education while gathering an understanding of their values and knowledge about trees and the City’s urban forest. These efforts are aimed at identifying priorities and issues important to them. Input gathered from the community and special interest groups during development of the Tree Master Plan provided important context for understanding community priorities, where Norwalk is today, and urban forest challenges and opportunities. Purpose of Education and Engagement to Develop the Plan The public outreach, education, and engagement in Norwalk ensured the Plan was developed with input from the community and reflected its needs and priorities. As stated by James Clark in A Model of Urban Forest Sustainability (Clark, et al., 1997), “Urban trees and forests are considered integral to the sustainability of cities as a whole. Yet, sustainable urban forests are not born, they are made. They do not arise at random, but result from a community-wide commitment to their creation and management.” Figure 35. Example of the engagement with the ~James Clark, A Model of Urban Forest Sustainability community for Norwalk's urban forest (Source: City of Norwalk Instagram, April 2024) The community engagement process aimed to reach diverse residents and inform them about the project and benefits of urban trees while collecting feedback for Plan development. This framework will help the City engage with the community to preserve, manage, and grow Norwalk’s urban forest. Ongoing engagement is crucial, especially since much of the tree canopy is on private land, requiring property owners’ active stewardship. The City and its partners support this through various community programs and activities. The graphic on the following page highlights some of the most relevant examples relating to Norwalk’s urban forest that are supported by this Plan: 58 Page 90 of 168 EXISTING AND POTENTIAL COMMUNITY PROGRAMS AND EVENTS Wildlife and Celebrations and Festivals Habitat Programs • Arbor Day Environmental and Celebration, Tree City Conservation Partnerships USA Award • The Maritime • Norwalk Earth Day Aquarium Festival • Norwalk River RELEVANT Watershed Association • Norwalk Land Trust EXAMPLES OF COMMUNITY • Connecticut Land PROGRAMS AND PARTNERS Conservation Council • Norwalk River Watershed Association Recreation and • Save the Sound Community Events Community Engagement and Education Urban Forestry and Sustainability • Oak Hills Park Natural • City of Norwalk Tree Advisory Committee • Norwalk Tree Alliance’s Neighborhood Tree Plantings Warden • Friends of Cranbury Park • Sustainable Street Norwalk • Norwalk Tree Advisory • Norwalk High School Earth Club • Norwalk River Valley Trail Committee • Norwalk Gardening Club • Norwalk Open Streets • Norwalk Tree Alliance • Fodor Farm • Sustainable CT • Farmers Markets • Arborist / Urban • Sustainability Fair Forestry Trainings • Engagement with Indigenous Tribes Norwalk Connecticut Tree Master Plan 2024 | 59 Page 91 of 168 Section 3: Understanding Norwalk’s Priorities Norwalk’s Tree Canopy Cover Goal To achieve the vision for Norwalk’s trees, scenarios to achieve a citywide canopy cover goal were prepared and finalized in this Plan. The canopy goal serves as the cornerstone metric for tracking progress in implementing the Tree Master Plan and its planting strategy. The canopy goal embodies the City's commitment to sustainability and community well-being. This metric can be used by the City for tracking and monitoring the urban forest and it resonates with residents, creating a tangible and shared vision of a lush and vibrant urban environment. Moreover, if the City’s urban forest is effectively managed using best practices, achieving the canopy cover goal supports other goals and priorities in the City such as wildlife and biodiversity, stream health and habitat recovery, environmental stewardship, workforce development, climate change resilience, public health, air quality enhancement, sustainability, smart development, and temperature moderation, among others. By using canopy cover as an overarching measure, Norwalk ensures a comprehensive approach that not only improves the urban ecosystem but also fosters a sense of pride, unity, and responsibility among City programs, partners, residents, and interested parties. 60 Page 92 of 168 Norwalk’s 30-Year Canopy Cover Goal: 53% by 2053 The 2024 Tree Master Plan outlines a 10-year roadmap for urban forestry, supporting a 30-year canopy goal. This extended timeframe aligns with tree planting grant opportunities and allows newly planted trees to grow their canopy to the projected levels, aiming for a significant milestone in canopy cover over 30 years. The Plan’s central objective is to achieve 53% total tree canopy cover by 2053, as mandated by section 112-4 “Tree Advisory Committee” of the Norwalk City Code. Canopy cover across Norwalk was first examined in the 2018 canopy study by WestCOG and this study included future canopy cover scenarios for consideration. Supportingt this 2018 study was the 2023 urban tree canopy assessment summarized in Section 1 of this Plan. Additional details are provided in a supporting report. “The Tree Advisory Committee shall develop and adopt a Master Tree Plan. The Master Tree Plan shall establish direction for the City's urban forestry program and shall include targets for tree canopy cover and tree diversity, including targets for native and hybrid species…” §112-4 of Chapter 112 “Trees” in Norwalk’s City Code To meet this goal: Recommendations: • The 2024–2053 canopy target requires a 10% • The City should lead 70% of tree plantings toward the increase from the 2023 study based on 2021 30-year goal. This amounts to ~1,500 trees per year or a imagery. total of 45,000 of the 63,900 total trees needed. • This translates to an average of 2,130 trees • The remaining 30% of tree plantings needed (~18,900 planted annually. total trees) can come from community partners, • By milestone year 10 (2033), 21,300 trees planted private property owners, homeowners’ associations, over the 10-year period will collectively increase and as part of private development projects. the City’s canopy cover to 46%. The same number • Key factors include protecting existing canopy, of trees will be needed by year 20 (2043) to reach strategic tree placement, post-planting care, and a 50% canopy cover. By year 30 (2053), a total of prioritizing resilient native species. 63,900 trees will collectively grow the canopy • Additional details are available in Section 4, Planting cover to 53%. Strategy and Appendix ##. The City can adopt these goals, consider alternatives, and implement the tree planting strategy provided in this Plan. Regular measurement and community engagement will guide successful urban forest management. For detailed calculations, consult Appendix ##. As stated earlier, the City should reassess the Plan every 10 years and update goals and targets accordingly Norwalk Connecticut Tree Master Plan 2024 | 61 Page 93 of 168 Section 3: Understanding Norwalk’s Priorities Aligning Priorities Figure 36. Summary of how the canopy cover goal supports other priorities in the City Implementing and Achieving the Canopy Cover Goal Supports: THE PEOPLE Underserved and vulnerable populations; tree canopy cover equity THE ENVIRONMENT Wildlife, habitats, pollinators, and biodiversity CURRENT AND FUTURE CHALLENGES Climate adaptation, modification, and resiliency; stormwater management; air quality improvements; reduced surface temperatures PROGRAM NEEDS City staff feedback and priorities COMMUNITY NEEDS Community priorities View the Planting Strategy for details 62 Page 94 of 168 SECTION 4: TREE PLANTING STRATEGY Understand the strategy to achieve 53% canopy cover and other related goals of the Plan, recognizing that success requires a shared commitment from both the City and the community to the Plan’s vision, industry standards, and best practices. Norwalk Connecticut Tree Master Plan 2024 | 63 Page 95 of 168 Section 4: Tree Planting Strategy Tree Planting Strategy Overview TREE PLANTING Implementing a long-term planting strategy is crucial for PRIORITY MAP enhancing Norwalk’s urban forest, requiring commitment from the City, partners, and community. Baseline data from 2018 and 2023 show the canopy could increase from 43% to 53%. To achieve this, priorities must address existing canopy inequalities. This Plan outlines strategies, administrative needs, planning tools, public outreach, and associated costs. Optimizing the canopy will enable the Urban Forestry Program to fully benefit the community. Priority Areas and Themes (public and private) The Tree Planting Strategy prioritizes neighborhoods based on canopy cover, planting space, sociodemographic data, and other criteria. This gives the City of Norwalk and its partners a map and priority index to guide efforts over 30 years. Priorities 1-4 are based on the following criteria: Neighborhoods with Justice40 Years ◼ Priority 1 overburdened / underserved U.S. 1-10 Census Tracts Neighborhoods with U.S. Census Block Years ◼ Priority 2 Groups (CBGs) having a Tree Equity 11-20 Score <80 (out of 100) Planting Priority Scale Neighborhoods comprised of CBGs Years ◼ Priority 3 with a Tree Equity Score between 80 20-30 Highest 1 2 3 4 Lowest and 99 Years: 0-10 10-20 20-30 No net loss Figure 37. Map displaying the priorities for planting toward the Neighborhoods comprised of CBGs No 53% canopy cover goal ◼ Priority 4 with a Tree Equity Score of 100 net loss 64 Page 96 of 168 Table 13. Norwalk's 30-year planting strategy to achieve 53% canopy (top) and the planting targets for the Priority 1 Neighborhoods in years 1-10 (bottom) Trees per Year Priority Neighborhood Existing Canopy % Canopy Goal % (10-year intervals) 10-year Totals South Norwalk 6% 14% 102 East Norwalk 14% 27% 232 Priority 1: Woodward 25% 46% 420 1,604 trees/year Golden Hill 27% 40% 210 Years 1-10 16,035 total trees Springwood 27% 38% 175 Oak Hills 50% 63% 465 Norwalk Center 13% 17% 55 Priority 2: Hospital Hill 25% 32% 177 1,112 trees/year Marvin Beach 28% 41% 630 Years 11-20 11,115 total trees Broadriver 53% 59% 249 West Main 20% 26% 105 The Green 27% 34% 138 Strawberry Hill 31% 38% 178 Spring Hill 32% 41% 145 Priority 3: Rowayton 43% 50% 303 2,810 trees/year Wolfpit 45% 52% 265 Years 21-30 28,102 total trees Woods Pond 46% 52% 217 West Rocks 47% 52% 285 Brookside 48% 54% 301 West Norwalk 54% 64% 874 Norwalk Islands 29% 42% 133 Priority 4: 1,069 trees/year Silvermine 61% 66% 265 No net loss Cranbury 67% 75% 671 10,690 total trees 287 trees/year average by 65,942 trees over TOTALS: 23 neighborhoods 6% to 67% 53% Citywide by 2053 neighborhood for 10 years 30 year period Public Plantings Institutions, Private Total (ROW, Businesses, Development Priority 1 No Net Loss Parks, Properties) Residents Total Total Total Neighborhoods Timeframe Canopy Goal Strategy (70% of Trees) (20% of Trees) (10% of Trees) Trees South Norwalk Years 1-10 14% (up from 6%) 711 203 102 1,015 (102/year) East Norwalk Years 1-10 27% (up from 14%) 1-1 public tree 1,625 464 232 2,322 (232/year) replacement; Woodward Years 1-10 46% (up from 25%) 2,941 840 420 4,201 (420/year) private Golden Hill Years 1-10 40% (up from 27%) development 1,470 420 210 2,100 (210/year) Springwood Years 1-10 38% (up from 27%) mitigation 1,225 350 175 1,750 (175/year) Oak Hills Years 1-10 63% (up from 50%) 3,253 929 465 4,647 (465/year) TOTALS 10 Years 14% to 63% 11,225 3,207 1,604 16,035 (1,604/year) Norwalk Connecticut Tree Master Plan 2024 | 65 Page 97 of 168 Section 4: Tree Planting Strategy SUMMARY OF THE 30-YEAR TREE PLANTING STRATEGY To achieve the citywide canopy cover goal of 53% by 2053, the Tree Planting Strategy divides prioritized neighborhoods into four intervals: Years 1-10, Years 11-20, Years 21-30, and post-30 years. This strategy also applies a “no net loss” policy for public trees. Canopy goals for each neighborhood were determined based on several factors: existing canopy cover, available planting space, distribution of public and private land, zoning classifications, and the contribution needed to collectively reach the 53% citywide canopy cover goal. As shown in the previous table, the current canopy cover for the 23 neighborhoods ranges from 6% in South Norwalk to 67% in Cranbury. The canopy goals for all neighborhoods range from 14% in South Norwalk to 75% in Cranbury. The increase in canopy cover varies, with a 4% increase in Norwalk Center and a 21% increase in Woodward, averaging a 9% increase across all 23 neighborhoods. PRIORITY 1 NEIGHBORHOODS (YEARS 1-10) The top table on the previous page summarizes this strategy and the table at the bottom of the page details the trees required for the Priority 1 neighborhoods. To achieve the canopy cover goals in Priority 1 neighborhoods over the next 10 years, the Tree Planting Strategy focuses on increasing tree coverage in six key areas. ❖ South Norwalk aims to increase its canopy from 6% to 14% by planting 102 trees per year, totaling 1,015 trees. ❖ East Norwalk plans to raise its canopy from 14% to 27% with 232 trees planted annually, reaching 2,322 trees. ❖ Woodward targets a canopy increase from 25% to 46% by planting 420 trees per year, totaling 4,201 trees. ❖ Golden Hill aims to grow its canopy from 27% to 40% with 210 trees planted annually, totaling 2,100 trees. ❖ Springwood plans to increase its canopy from 27% to 38% by planting 175 trees per year, totaling 1,750 trees. ❖ Oak Hills aims to raise its canopy from 50% to 63% with 465 trees planted annually, totaling 4,647 trees. Overall, the strategy will plant 1,604 trees per year across these neighborhoods, achieving a total of 16,035 trees over 10 years. Public plantings will account for 70% of the trees, institutions, businesses, and residents will contribute 20%, and private development will add 10%. For years 11-30, a similar approach is recommended. The City should evaluate the Tree Planting Strategy’s success and update the Tree Master Plan after year 10. If the City foregoes the 10-year intervals, it will need to plant an average of 2,133 trees per year over 30 years to achieve 53% canopy cover. Key considerations include selecting native or highly adaptable species, following best practices for planting and care, clearly defining maintenance responsibilities and required resources, integrating the trees into an online GIS inventory database, and ensuring that the planted trees grow to their full potential under practical guidelines. 66 Page 98 of 168 CONSIDERATIONS FOR PLANTINGS ON PUBLIC PROPERTY For this Plan, public property refers to land owned by the City of Norwalk and designated for public use. The City is tasked with planting, maintaining, and removing trees on these properties. Tree planting opportunities on public property include: ❖ Public rights-of-way (ROW) ❖ Public parks and cemeteries ❖ City-owned open space / natural areas ❖ Public schools ❖ Public facilities ❖ Norwalk Housing Foundation properties ❖ Fire and Police Departments ❖ City-owned open / vacant lots Note: Norwalk’s 2024 Zoning Regulations include zoning classifications to assist in identifying public land. Examples of public land opportunities are provided in the Priority 1 Neighborhood Maps in Appendix ##. Figure 38. Example of how Norwalk's Complete Streets Policy supports the Tree Planting Strategy and the requirements for tree spacing Commonly, the right-of-way between roadways and sidewalks has limited space for street tree plantings, or there may be no plantable space available at all. Additionally, overhead wires and underground utilities often further restrict planting opportunities in these areas. In many of Norwalk’s neighborhoods, there are additional planting opportunities beyond the right-of-way on private property (sometimes referred to as setback plantings), which can be utilized for street tree plantings with the property owner’s approval, support, and a signed agreement. Cities like New Haven and New Britain support this approach. When the City of Norwalk updates or renovates street surfaces and sidewalks, it should intentionally create space and soil volume for street trees, while also addressing other city needs such as stormwater management and multi-modal transportation in alignment with the City’s Complete Streets Policy. Additionally, creating space for trees in these areas can reduce their exposure to salt and damage from snow removal. A better growing environment will result in healthier, larger trees that provide public benefits. Norwalk Connecticut Tree Master Plan 2024 | 67 Page 99 of 168 Section 4: Tree Planting Strategy ABOUT NORWALK’S URBAN FOREST IMPROVEMENT PROGRAM Goals & Objectives of the Urban Forest Improvement Program • Enhance parklands and open spaces • Expand environmental benefits of trees in urban areas • Improve streetscape aesthetics • Restore tree canopy along city streets • Each tree planted is added to the City’s tree inventory and GIS system. How the Program Works • Trees are typically planted on City property or in the right-of-way (ROW). • If City property or the ROW is inadequate, trees can be planted on private property with the owner’s agreement to care for them. • The program is not intended to provide free landscaping for residents or businesses. Forms and Requests • Online Tree Planting Request e-Form • Free Tree Request Form (Paper Copy) (PDF) • Adopt A Tree Form (For Trees On Private Property) and Guidelines Neighborhood Treescapes • Trees are planted along contiguous streets or on a neighborhood basis. • Planting plans are developed by neighborhood associations and approved by tree wardens and the Tree Advisory Committee. • Neighborhood associations and property owners select tree species. • The Department of Public Works orders and plants the trees through a contract. Benefits of the Neighborhood Approach • Fosters a sense of accomplishment and ownership within the neighborhood. • Provides group oversight for tree health and development. • Reduces vandalism and theft. Tree Liaisons • Receive training, a staking kit, and a volunteer guidebook with information on available tree and shrub species. 68 Page 100 of 168 CONSIDERATIONS FOR TREE PLANTING ON PRIVATE PROPERTY The Role of Private Property in Achieving a Sustainable Urban Forest Private property in Norwalk plays a pivotal role in achieving a healthy and sustainable urban forest, aligning with the City’s ambitious goal to increase canopy cover to 53%. The diverse array of private property owners, including residents, businesses, educational institutions, multi-family housing, healthcare facilities, religious organizations, new developments, homeowner associations, and private golf courses, collectively contribute to this vision. By encouraging these stakeholders to support 20% of the Figure 39. The urban forest is comprised of trees across all plantings and private developments to contribute an ownership types (Source: Discover Norwalk) additional 10%, the City can leverage the vast potential of private lands to enhance urban greenery. This collaborative effort not only enriches the urban forest but also fosters a sense of community stewardship and environmental responsibility. Supporting Private Property Owners To ensure private property owners’ investments reach their full potential, the City should provide robust support mechanisms. This includes offering technical assistance, funding opportunities, and planting support through partnerships with community organizations. These partners can help with the selection of appropriate tree species, planting techniques, and ongoing maintenance to ensure the health and longevity of the trees. Additionally, the City should consider implementing cost-share programs to alleviate financial burdens and remove barriers to participation, ensuring equitable access to tree planting resources across all 23 neighborhoods. Figure 40. Map for illustration purposes showing the Tree Equity Scores by Census Block Group (Source: American Forests' Tree Equity Score Tool, treeequityscore.org) Norwalk Connecticut Tree Master Plan 2024 | 69 Page 101 of 168 Section 4: Tree Planting Strategy Tracking and Monitoring Plantings Tracking the progress of these plantings is crucial for measuring success and making data-driven decisions. The City should utilize inventory management software like TreePlotter to monitor tree plantings on private properties. This software can track the number, location, and health of trees, ensuring that private development plantings are maintained and thrive. Regular monitoring will help prevent pest and disease outbreaks, promote species diversity, and enhance climate resilience. By aligning these efforts with Norwalk’s permitting system for trees and supporting initiatives like the Legacy Tree Program and the Norwalk Tree Alliance Neighborhood Tree Planting Program, the City can create a cohesive and effective urban forestry strategy. Figure 41. Screenshot of Norwalk's TreePlotter Achieving the Canopy Goal software for inventorying and managing trees (Source: www.pg-cloud.com/NorwalkCT) Ultimately, achieving the 53% canopy goal requires a concerted effort from all stakeholders. By fostering collaboration, providing necessary support, and ensuring rigorous tracking and maintenance, Norwalk can create a vibrant, sustainable urban forest that benefits all its residents. 70 Page 102 of 168 Tree Planting Costs: Phase 1 Neighborhood Priorities Years 1-10 The 10-year costs for planting trees in priority neighborhoods to achieve the 30-year canopy cover goal are summarized below for phase 1 of the Tree Planting Strategy in Priority 1 neighborhoods (South Norwalk, East Norwalk, Woodward, Golden Hill, Springwood, and Oak Hills). Plantings will be led by the City, private property owners, and developers. A total of 1,604 trees per year are required over the next 10 years. The table below highlights the key metrics for this phase (see Appendix # for details): Private Property City-led Owner Development- Plantings Plantings led Plantings (70% of total (20% of total (10% of total Tracking Metric or Criteria plantings) plantings) plantings) TOTAL Average Trees per Year 1,122 321 160 1,604 Total Trees Added 11,225 3,207 1,604 16,035 Total Forecasted Asset Value & 10-year Ecosystem $5,915,985 $1,690,281 $845,141 $8,451,407 Benefits Total Annual Planting Cost (assumes 30% of private $457,960 $131,808 $65,423 $655,190 property owner plantings are seedling giveaways) Average Annual Maintenance Cost per Tree in $29.64 $29.64 $29.64 N/A Maintained Areas Total Annual Maintenance Costs for Seedlings, Whips, $0 $0 $0 N/A etc. Total Annual Maintenance Costs for New Plantings in $33,269 $6,654 $4,753 $44,676 Maintained Areas Total Annual Costs of Plantings (Initial Planting + $491,229 $138,462 $70,176 $699,866 Annual Maintenance Cost (Tree Master Plan)) Total Costs of Plantings (Initial Planting + Annual $4,912,290 $1,384,616 $701,756 $6,998,662 Maintenance Cost x 10 Years (Tree Master Plan)) Total Cost-Benefit (does not include energy savings) $1.20 $1.22 $1.20 $1.21 * N/A = Not Applicable. See Appendix ## for more details. Norwalk Connecticut Tree Master Plan 2024 | 71 Page 103 of 168 Section 4: Tree Planting Strategy Summary of Phase 1 Assumptions and Costs PLANTING REQUIREMENTS To achieve a 53% canopy cover, phase 1 focuses on the first 10 years for the highest priority neighborhoods. In this phase, a total of 1,604 trees need to be planted annually in the neighborhoods of South Norwalk, East Norwalk, Woodward, Golden Hill, Springwood, and Oak Hills (see the previous table for additional details). This considers a recommended approach of 70% of plantings be led by the City (1,122 trees per year), 20% by private property owners (321 trees per year), and 10% led by developers for private development (60 trees per year). TOTAL TREES ADDED OVER 10 YEARS Over the 10-year period, the City will add 11,225 trees, private property owners will add 3,207 trees, and developers will add 1,604 trees, totaling 16,035 trees. Note, the required amounts for developers is not to deter additional trees being planted as long as their survival is ensured or trees are replanted and Norwalk’s Zoning Regulations take precedence over this recommendation. ADDED ANNUAL ECOSYSTEM BENEFITS The annual ecosystem benefits from these plantings are estimated at $270,126, with the City’s plantings contributing $189,088, private property owner plantings contributing $54,025, and $27,013 contributed by developer-led plantings. Note, the benefits are estimated based on trees reaching maturity and that 50% of trees will be large-statured at maturity, 30% medium-statured, and 20% small-statured at maturity. Benefits include stormwater management, air quality improvement, and carbon sequestration and storage (excludes energy savings and other environmental benefits and services). A comprehensive inventory of trees planted should be conducted and maintained to more accurately quantify the associated ecosystem benefits. TOTAL CARBON SEQUESTERED The total carbon sequestered once all trees planted in the 10 years reach maturity is estimated at 1,998,923 pounds, with the City plantings amounting to 1,399,246 pounds, private property owner plantings amounting to 399,785 pounds, and developer-led plantings at 199,892 pounds. ASSET VALUE The asset value of the trees is estimated at $5,750,151, with the City’s trees valued at $4,025,106, private property owners’ trees at $1,150,030, and developers’ trees at $575,015. 72 Page 104 of 168 TOTAL VALUE AND BENEFITS The combined total value and benefits of the plantings amount to $6,020,277, with the City’s plantings contributing $4,214,194, private property owner plantings amounting to $1,204,055, and developer-led plantings amounting to $602,028. PLANTING COSTS The average subcontract planting cost per tree is $408, and the average cost per seedling or whip is $10. Over 10 years, the cost for caliper-sized trees is $6,149,743, with the City spending $4,579,596, private property owners $915,919, and developers $654,228. The cost for seedlings and whips is $9,621, all borne by private property owners to lessen the burden of planting caliper-sized trees. The calculations only work if trees that are planted survive to maturity and those that prematurely die or are removed get replaced. ANNUAL PLANTING COSTS The total annual planting cost is $655,190, with the City spending $457,960, private property owners $131,808, and developers $65,423. MAINTENANCE COSTS The average annual maintenance cost per tree in maintained areas is $29.64. The total annual maintenance costs for new plantings are $44,676, with the City spending $33,269, private property owners $6,654, and developers $4,753. TOTAL ANNUAL COSTS OF PLANTINGS The total annual costs of plantings, including initial planting and management, are $699,866, with the City spending $491,229, private property owners $138,462, and developers $70,176. TOTAL COSTS OVER 10 YEARS The total costs over 10 years amount to $6,998,662, with the City spending $4,912,290, private property owners $1,384,616, and developers $701,756. NOTES ON ESTIMATES The estimates are based on a distribution of 50% large, 30% medium, and 20% small statured trees at maturity. Costs are adjusted from 2016 USD to 2024 USD, and planting costs are derived from regional estimates and past projects performed by the planning consultants. Maintenance costs are based on historical data adjusted for inflation. Norwalk Connecticut Tree Master Plan 2024 | 73 Page 105 of 168 Section 4: Tree Planting Strategy Tree Planting Considerations and Implementation Successful tree planting is influenced by many factors. Conducting site evaluations can enhance the longevity and health of trees by ensuring proper site selection. It’s crucial to avoid underground and above-ground utilities and to place the tree where the maximum soil volume is available. Environmental factors such as pollution, drought, and exposure to radiant heat from streets also impact tree health. Therefore, understanding all site limitations is essential when choosing the tree best suited for the growing conditions. Tree Planting Budget Considerations Budgets are greatly affected by warranty, watering and tree sizes. • Watering / irrigation costs are included in the calculations for maintenance costs in the previous section. An additional cost of approximately $100 per tree should be considered for each year of watering by a contractor after year 10. • Tree selection and size are both important. The City of Norwalk’s Zoning Regulations require a minimum tree size of 2.5 inches (measured as a caliper at 3 feet from the base of the trunk) for building and lot site standards (Article 4). Ball and burlapped (B&B) trees are recommended for private development projects and City-led street tree plantings. For plantings led by private property owners or when the City is using volunteers, it is recommended that bareroot trees be planted given they are less weight, easier to plant, and require less materials for handling. Using smaller caliper trees of 1.75 inches in a #20 container may be considered in areas such as parks and private yards. The City and partners may also offer tree seedlings, whips, or saplings as giveaways and these trees contribute to the Tree Planting Strategy but like all plantings, these must survive and remain healthy to maturity. However, each tree planting site is unique, and smaller tree sizes should be considered outside the recommended sizes when appropriate. • An additional cost for each additional year of warranty should be factored into the cost estimates as needed. • Coordination between departments regarding sidewalk repairs and the installation of structural soil when planting trees in the grass strip between the curb and sidewalk can affect tree growth, longevity, and cost. 74 Page 106 of 168 TREE WATERING BUDGET Allocating a budget for water can significantly affect costs. To ensure the survival of tree plantings, the City must address water needs. Best management practices suggest providing supplemental watering for the first two years, with weekly watering from May to October. This can be achieved through various methods, as outlined below. Resident Watering Many of Norwalk’s public trees will be planted in residential neighborhoods. In years 1-10 of the Tree Planting Strategy, the neighborhoods of South Norwalk, East Norwalk, Woodward, Golden Hill, Springwood, and Oak Hills are the first priority although that should not deter the City and its partners from planting in other neighborhoods in the first 10 years as opportunities arise. Tree planting campaigns in cities such as New Haven and Stamford require residents to accept the tree and watering responsibilities before the tree is planted. Continuous outreach and education are essential for community acceptance, and to encourage and remind residents of their watering responsibilities. This offers a no-cost option for the City and promotes a collaborative effort among the entire community. Resident watering, combined with a stewardship program, can further educate and motivate residents to participate in city tree watering and maintenance campaigns. Contractor Watering The calculations for the first 10 years of the Tree Planting Strategy account for a two-year watering requirement at approximately $200 per tree. City Watering If the City is responsible for watering trees planted on public property (and beyond the right-of-way) for two years, additional staff will be required. It is estimated that one City employee can water approximately 72 trees per day on an average workday. Assumptions: Five minutes to refill a gator bag; two hours for driving, truck refilling, and lunch. Based on the Tree Planting Strategy in this Plan, annual watering should be provided from May to October. Watering costs do not include the cost of watering trucks. Although City Norwalk Connecticut Tree Master Plan 2024 | 75 Page 107 of 168 Section 4: Tree Planting Strategy watering is more cost-effective, contractors may void their warranty if they are not granted a watering contract for the trees they installed. Tree Watering Technology New technologies like the Tree Diaper show promising results in improving tree health and survivability compared to the traditional Tree Gator watering bag. The Tree Diaper absorbs and stores water, then gradually releases it into the soil over time. This product may be particularly beneficial for trees planted in park settings, where watering trucks cannot easily access. The cost of a Tree Gator bag ranges from $27 to $34, while a Tree Diaper costs $50. Additionally, a new water polymer called APSA-80 has been demonstrated to significantly increase water infiltration rates. Applying this polymer during the first watering will promote deep water infiltration into the soil. Tree Mortality and Planting Tree mortality rates decrease with fall and winter planting. Planting in the fall allows trees to establish roots before the hot and dry months, making it the most cost-effective and best management practice for promoting tree survival. Planning for fall planting involves tagging trees in the spring and purchasing them in the fall. The City will need to plan for planting funds according to the City’s budget planning cycle to ensure funds are available for each planting season to meet the Tree Planting Strategy’s requirements. Tree Selection The Arbor Day Foundation’s recommendation for tree planting is to plant ‘The Right Tree in the Right Place.’ This principle emphasizes that tree selection should take into account both the species of the tree and the site conditions. Biologically, a tree must be able to endure the conditions where it is planted. Factors such as sun exposure, soil type, drainage, salt exposure, and available growing space above and below ground must all be considered. Additionally, promoting biodiversity by selecting a variety of tree species is encouraged. A diverse forest is less vulnerable to being completely wiped out by diseases and pest infestations. Image Source: Arbor Day Foundation 76 Page 108 of 168 The Tree Master Plan acknowledges the biodiversity of Image Source: Arbor Day Foundation Norwalk’s right-of-way (ROW) and parks in sample inventory analysis of tree species composition. This Plan notes the abundance of maples and oaks and recommends that their quantities should be limited in future plantings. The City Arborist and The Tree Advisory Committee developed planting lists to encourage biodiversity and selection of the right tree for the right place. These lists along with the vulnerability studies for various tree species should be utilized in making planting decisions. Tree selection to promote wildlife should also be taken into consideration. The 10-20-30 Rule is a best management practice guideline that suggests an urban tree population should include no more than 10% of any tree species (e.g., red maple), 20% of any one genus (e.g., maples), or 30% of any family (e.g., Sapindaceae formerly Aceraceae). This philosophy helps reduce the risk of tree canopy decimation due to infestations of pests or diseases. According to the sample public tree inventory analysis, Norwalk’s existing public tree canopy includes more than the recommended 30% of maples. Therefore, to promote diversity, the Tree Advisory Committee should not include maples on their recommended tree list at this time. Growing Space Soil volume is directly related to tree size and life expectancy. When selecting a location for a tree, it is important to consider the growing space both above and below ground. Priority should be given to areas that offer the most soil volume. Trees planted in restricted soil volumes may survive but will not reach their mature size. It is important to note that street trees planted in urban environments with limited soil volumes have an average lifespan of 7-10 years. Norwalk Connecticut Tree Master Plan 2024 | 77 Page 109 of 168 Section 4: Tree Planting Strategy BUDGETING FOR SOIL VOLUME When planning to plant a tree in the grass median between a curb and sidewalk, it is important to consider soil volume. Adequate soil volume is crucial for tree growth and survival. If the planting strip is less than three feet wide, the use of structural soil, structural cells, or suspended sidewalks should be considered. While this will increase the planting costs, larger trees provide greater environmental benefits over time and reduce replacement costs. Similar locations in the BROW should be evaluated for alternative tree locations, as these areas generally offer more soil volume. PLANTING RECOMMENDATIONS The Connecticut Tree Owner’s Manual is a reference guide that addresses tree selection, tree installation and tree maintenance. Below are the minimum planting requirements: Time of Planting • Deciduous Trees: (Spring) March 15 to May 15 or (Fall-Preferred) September 15 to December 15 • Evergreen Trees: (Spring) March 15 to May 15 or (Fall-Preferred) September 1 to November 15 Site Selection Assumed on public land, first obtain a tree planting permit from the City Arborist, then confirm no underground utilities. Planting Area Size Requirements • Tree Well Size: 5’ width x 10’ length x 3’ depth minimum (150 cubic feet of soil). • Follow Recommend Soil Volumes and Permeable Area recommendations according to best practices. Below is a modified chart with adjusted soil depth to the recommended three-foot depth. o Use structural cells (recommended), structural soil, suspended walks in combination with permeable paving to achieve required soil volumes and permeable area. Table 14. Soil and site requirements for trees of various sizes at maturity Tree Size Soil Volume Soil Surface Area with 3’ Soil Depth Permeable Surface Area Requirement Very Small 217 cubic feet 72 square feet (approx. 8.5’ x 8.5’) 25 square feet (5’ x 5’) Small 867 cubic feet 294 square feet (approx. 17’ x 17’) 100 square feet (10’ x 10’) Medium 3,468 cubic feet 1,141 square feet (approx. 34’ x 34’) 225 square feet (15’ x 15’) Large 7,500 cubic feet 2,681 square feet (approx. 50’ x 50’) 400 square feet (20’ x 20’) 78 Page 110 of 168 Species Selection • Analyze sun, salt, and wind exposure, available growing space, aboveground utilities, and hardiness zone. • Select a tree that meets all exposure requirements from the City’s approved tree list. • If planting in a TreePlotter identified location, refer to noted TreePlotter sizes (small, medium, large) as this refers to the suggested tree size. Tree Size 2.5” minimum caliper; 5’ minimum, 6’ preferred branching height for trees in a sidewalk or adjacent. Tree Selection Purchase a well-shaped, fully branched, healthy, vigorous tree that’s free of disease, pests, eggs, larvae, and defects such as knots, sun scald, injuries, abrasions, and disfigurement. Tree Planting Refer to the Connecticut Tree Owner’s Manual for full recommendations. Minimum Required Planting Recommendations • Remove all tags, twine, or wrapping from the tree. • Dig the hole to be three times the width of the root ball. • Dig the hole to match the depth of the root ball. • Locate the trunk flare and remove soil if necessary. • For balled and burlapped trees: Cut the twine and unfold the burlap. • For containerized trees: Remove the entire container, expose the trunk flare, and loosen the roots if they are matted from the container. • Set the tree upright and centered in the planting pit or trench, with the root flare two inches above the adjacent finished grade. • After placing some backfill around the root ball to stabilize the tree, carefully cut and remove the burlap, rope, and wire baskets from the tops and sides of the root ball, but do not remove them from under the root ball. Do not use planting stock if the root ball is cracked or broken before or during the planting process. • Backfill around the root ball in layers, tamping to settle the soil and eliminate voids and air pockets. When the planting pit is approximately half-filled, water thoroughly before placing the remainder of the backfill. Repeat watering until no more water is absorbed. Continue the backfilling process. Water again after placing and tamping the final layer of soil. Norwalk Connecticut Tree Master Plan 2024 | 79 Page 111 of 168 Section 4: Tree Planting Strategy TYPICAL TREE PLANTING IN LAWN TREE PLANTING WITH STRUCTURAL SOIL Figure 42. City of Norwalk’s specifications for deciduous tree Figure 43. Recommended specifications for planting with planting structural soil 80 Page 112 of 168 TREE PLANTING WITH ADJACENT STRUCTURAL CELLS UNDER WALK Figure 44. Recommended specifications for planting with adjacent structural cells under walkways Norwalk Connecticut Tree Master Plan 2024 | 81 Page 113 of 168 Section 4: Tree Planting Strategy Figure 45. Arbor Day Poster Winners help plant a planetree at Tracey Elementary School (Source: Norwalk Hour, 2018) 82 Page 114 of 168 SECTION 5: URBAN FOREST MANAGEMENT STRATEGY Learn about the standards and best practices for managing public trees, tree risk, storms, pests and diseases, and wood waste along with the structures, programs, and resources necessary to meet the levels of service required. Norwalk Connecticut Tree Master Plan 2024 | 83 Page 115 of 168 Section 5: Urban Forest Management Strategy Overview of the Management Strategy The City of Norwalk has already made significant strides The strategy also guides the City in actively in sustainable urban forest management. For example, monitoring and managing tree pests and diseases, the City’s Tree Planting Program has successfully employing integrated pest management strategies increased canopy cover in underserved neighborhoods, to minimize the impact of harmful organisms. enhancing both environmental and social benefits. Additionally, the strategy includes guidance for Additionally, the City’s participation in the Tree City USA storm preparedness and response, encompassing program underscores its commitment to maintaining a pre-storm tree assessments and post-storm recovery healthy and vibrant urban forest. Through these efforts, efforts to quickly address any damage. Committed to the City of Norwalk is not only preserving its natural sustainable practices, the City will utilize wood waste heritage but also creating a greener, healthier future for by repurposing fallen trees and branches for mulch, all its residents. compost, and other beneficial uses, reducing waste and supporting the local ecosystem. Norwalk is committed to fostering a sustainable and resilient urban forest that enhances the quality of life for This strategy will rely on accurate and up-to-date its residents. The Urban Forest Management Strategy data, and the City will utilize advanced data section within the Tree Master Plan provides the City management systems to track tree health, with the guidance needed to ensure the health and maintenance activities, and other critical longevity of its public trees and it supports citywide information. By adhering to industry standards and urban forest management. This strategy will prioritize best practices in all aspects of urban forest the maintenance of public trees to mitigate risks and management, the strategy will ensure that the ensure public safety, including regular inspections and highest level of care is provided to the urban forest. assessments to identify and address potential hazards. The success of the Urban Forest Management With this strategy, routine maintenance activities, such Strategy will depend on a well-structured program as pruning and watering, will be systematically and adequate resources, with the City allocating the addressed to ensure that all public trees receive the care necessary funding and personnel to support these they need. To promote strong structure and longevity, initiatives. young trees will undergo formative pruning, helping shape them during their early years, reducing future maintenance needs, and enhancing their resilience. 84 Page 116 of 168 Public Tree Inventory and Data Management The foundation of a sustainable municipal urban forest program is a comprehensive understanding of the public trees under its purview. Cities across the country conduct inventories of public trees to understand the location, composition, structure, and other information to inform data-driven strategies, programs, and budgets. A comprehensive tree inventory in public areas will provide essential data on their condition, maintenance needs, and risks. This information will help prioritize tree care, optimize urban forestry services, and develop policies to maximize benefits and minimize hazards. It will also identify resources needed for a sustainable, safe, and resilient urban forest. The City of Norwalk’s street maintenance crews provide services to mitigate hazards observed or reported to them. However, the program is primarily reactive due to limited resources and a lack of current tree inventory data. The most recent data currently available is from a sample street tree inventory conducted in 2023 of 4,190 public trees. As of 2024, the City is actively evaluating options for updating and expanding the inventory. Figure 46. Example of the City's TreePlotter software application and the Tree Inventory Manual provided as part of the Tree Master Plan project Norwalk Connecticut Tree Master Plan 2024 | 85 Page 117 of 168 Section 5: Urban Forest Management Strategy Proactive Public Tree Maintenance One measure of sustainable management is the number of years it takes to prune all public trees, also referred to as the pruning cycle. Routine maintenance is the most cost-effective short- and long-term pruning management strategy for street tree maintenance. Efficiencies in mobilization, scheduling, and service tracking allow preventive and reactive maintenance to be performed in one operation, reducing the need for future priority pruning. Conversely, street trees that are not pruned on a regular cycle are frequently more costly to maintain when the need arises. A programmed pruning cycle of 5 to 7 years is typically recommended for public street trees. Studies show a decline in tree health and increase in maintenance costs associated with longer pruning cycles (Miller, et al., 2015). According to § 112-7 “Altering or damaging City trees, City shrubs or required trees” in Norwalk’s City Code, “Any person wishing to prune a City tree, City shrub or required tree shall apply in writing for a permit to the Tree Warden prior to taking such action. Each application to prune a City tree, City shrub or required tree shall be subject to a fee established in accordance with § 90-4, Approval of rates and fees.” Public street tree maintenance is a shared responsibility between the City and adjacent property owners. Best practices suggest the City should handle routine maintenance, but Norwalk needs more resources to implement a proactive 5- to 7-year maintenance program. To manage the 25,000 public trees effectively, the City should identify funding, staffing, and equipment needs, and consider contracted services for immediate maintenance, especially in underserved areas. This approach assumes all 25,000 trees include both street trees and those in public parks. THE IMPACTS OF PROACTIVE PRUNING MAINTENANCE STRUCTURE FUNCTION BENEFITS Planting Establishment Evapotranspiration Reduce stormwater Pruning Survival Photosynthesis Enhance aesthetics Removal Growth Rain interception Reduce greenhouse gases Treatment Condition Carbon storage Provide shade VALUE ($) Figure 47. Diagram showing the impacts that proactive tree maintenance has on tree structure, function, and benefits 86 Page 118 of 168 IDENTIFYING RESOURCES YOUNG TREE FORMATIVE PRUNING ❖ Funding: Explore municipal budgets, grants, and local partnerships. A dedicated urban forestry budget ensures consistent support for tree maintenance and planting. ❖ Staffing: Hire certified arborists and urban forestry professionals. Assess current staffing and train existing staff in tree care and risk management. ❖ Equipment: Invest in essential tools, trucks, and data management software. Evaluate current equipment and address any gaps. ❖ Contracted Services: Use contracted services for immediate and large-scale maintenance, especially in underserved areas, to ensure urgent tasks are promptly addressed. PRUNING PROGRAM To maintain a 7-year pruning cycle for 25,000 trees, the City would need to prune approximately 3,571 trees per year (or 5,000 per year for a 5-year cycle). This 7-year cycle helps ensure that each tree receives attention regularly, promoting health and reducing risks. ESTIMATED TIME AND COSTS ❖ Time: Assuming each tree takes 1 hour to prune, the City would need about 3,571 hours annually. A 3-person crew (one supervisor and two arborists) is recommended, using equipment like a bucket truck, chipper, chip truck, pickup truck, skid steer, chainsaws, 1. Prune competing leader cleanup tools (rakes, shovels, blowers), and personal protective equipment (PPE: 2. Prune malformed branches hardhats, glasses, earplugs, gloves, boots, and chainsaw chaps). 3. Remove crossing branches ❖ Costs: If the average cost per tree is $100, the annual cost would be about $357,100 4. Remove water sprouts 5. Remove branches with poor (can vary based on local labor rates and specific tree needs). With a full tree inventory, angles the City can determine the number of young trees eligible for a 3-year formative 6. Prune broken or damaged pruning program. This program would address post-planting care and structural branches pruning to minimize future costs and support tree health and longevity. 7. Prune temporary branches over time Note, this section does not include approaches for public tree removals and stump 8. Remove suckers grinding. In general, trees over a certain height (e.g., >75 feet), diameter (e.g., larger than 9. Apply 2-3” of mulch 24 inches), and complexity (e.g., proximity to wires or a crane is required) would require Figure 48. Illustration and description contracted services. of formative tree pruning for young trees (Source: Arbor Day Foundation) Norwalk Connecticut Tree Master Plan 2024 | 87 Page 119 of 168 Section 5: Urban Forest Management Strategy INVENTORY AND DATA MANAGEMENT Maintaining an up-to-date tree inventory is essential for implementing an effective pruning program. The inventory should include details such as tree species, size, health (i.e., condition) status, location (spatially located), and maintenance needs/history. This data supports planning and prioritizing maintenance activities, ensuring resources are allocated efficiently. As maintenance occurs and new trees are planted, the inventory must be updated to reflect these changes. This ongoing data management helps track progress, identify trends, and adjust strategies as needed. For considering tree inventory management software, a supporting report was developed as part of Norwalk’s Tree Master Plan (“Norwalk Tree Inventory & TreePlotter Manual Sept2023”). Figure 49. Tree inventory software is MONITORING FOR PESTS, accessible on smartphones and tablets to DISEASES, AND RISK MITIGATION actively manage maintenance needs and record observations During maintenance activities, certified staff should monitor trees for abiotic and biotic stressors and signs of pests, diseases, and potential risks. Early detection and intervention can prevent widespread issues and maintain the overall health of the urban forest. Regular monitoring also supports public safety by identifying and mitigating tree-related hazards. Figure 50. Illustration and definition of the types of tree stressors 88 Page 120 of 168 ENGAGING THE COMMUNITY IN PROACTIVE TREE MAINTENANCE The City’s Urban Forestry Program and tree maintenance crews should utilize inventory data and monitor the trees that are structurally pruned to support future budgetary and staffing requests. The City should also continue its efforts in raising awareness and educating the public about: ❖ The City’s and the community’s role in care and maintenance of street trees. ❖ The City’s public tree ordinance (Chapter 112 “Trees”) in City Code. ❖ The importance of utilizing Certified Arborists to perform tree care. ❖ Responsibilities of adjacent property owners, including watering existing trees and obtaining a permit before planting, pruning, or removing a street tree. ❖ Proactive pruning reduces per-tree costs compared to reactive pruning done in response to storm damage. ❖ Proactive pruning eliminates clearance issues and immediate risks. ❖ Early identification and correction of insect and disease problems can reduce tree mortality. ❖ Properly pruned trees develop correct form and structure and are less susceptible to storm damage. ❖ Trees pruned on a regular cycle, especially when young, require less work in the future, lowering costs. ❖ Pruning before trees become hazardous reduces the number of tree-related service requests, decreasing response time. ❖ Proactive tree pruning helps to create a healthy, sustainable, and resilient urban forest. The City should inform property owners about best management practices and the costs of tree maintenance. Studies estimate an average annual maintenance cost of $19 per medium-size public street tree over a 40-year lifespan, covering planting (15%), pruning (45%), plant health care (35%), and removal (5%) (McPherson et al., 2016). Early intensive care, including adequate watering and pruning in the first 5 years, is crucial for tree survival and can reduce long-term costs. Property owners can help by monitoring trees for pests, diseases, and hazards, and contacting the City for maintenance. Planting and caring for trees on private property also enhances the urban forest. Follow “right tree, right place” guidelines: www.arborday.org/trees/righttreeandplace/. Norwalk Connecticut Tree Master Plan 2024 | 89 Page 121 of 168 Section 5: Urban Forest Management Strategy Public Tree Risk Management Risk management is a well-established concept Emergency: An immediate threat to person, property, or in the management of public spaces. commerce. Example: Tree uprooting and leaning toward a busy Acceptable levels of risk have been recognized playground or a tree fallen and blocking all lanes of traffic on an or defined for most basic infrastructure arterial street. elements, such as sidewalks, streets, Urgent: A threat to life, property, or commerce that can be playgrounds, and utilities. In many barricaded and made safe until the risk can be mitigated. communities, these elements are assessed and Example: Large broken branch over the sidewalk in front of an managed according to acceptable levels of risk elementary school. that are specified within written policies or enacted through management practices. A Priority 1: Significant and obvious danger. Example: dead tree in successful risk management program provides poor condition, serious traffic hazard, broken limbs, fallen trees. a systematic approach to implement corrective actions within a reasonable timeframe. Priority 2: Hindrance or nuisance but not an immediate danger. Example: Dead trees which are still solid, trimming of dead Tree risk is managed in much the same way. wood and low limbs over sidewalks, minor traffic hazards. Trees are evaluated for their potential to injure people or damage property. For Norwalk, tree Priority 3: Routine maintenance that presents either a low or no hazard abatement work could be prioritized in safety risk. Examples: Minor trimming, limbs safely down on the the following manner →→→ ground/trunk removal in low use areas. Norwalk should include both in-house and contracted crews under annual agreements for its hazard abatement program. These crews should handle tree care for trees on or affecting City-owned property. The program should aim to receive over 3,000 service requests annually and address thousands of trees, maintaining positive feedback. Risk assessors should maintain the International Society of Arboriculture’s Tree Risk Assessment Qualification (TRAQ), and the City should continue applying the American National Standards Institute’s (ANSI) A300 Standards. Additional details should be provided in the Recommendations Section of the Technical Report to the Urban Forest Master Plan, under Tree Risk Management. 90 Page 122 of 168 Urban Forest Storm Preparedness and Response The purpose of preparing an emergency storm preparedness plan is to Objectives of a storm response and mitigate, respond, and recover from an emergency or natural disaster in a disaster preparedness plan: timely manner. For Norwalk, having a comprehensive tree inventory is crucial to this effort, as it provides essential data on tree conditions, ❖ Reduce the amount and severity maintenance needs, and potential risks. Proactive maintenance, informed of the damage and losses to by this inventory, ensures that trees are healthy and less likely to cause people, property, the economy, damage during storms. Effective coordination among City departments, and the environment that local partners, and regional agencies is also vital to streamline efforts and results from tree failures during resources, ensuring a swift and efficient response to emergencies. By storm events. integrating these elements, Norwalk can enhance its resilience and protect both its urban forest and community. ❖ Reduce tree canopy cover losses resulting from storm events. According to the FEMA National Risk Index (www.hazards.fema.gov/nri/map), Fairfield County is in the 95.45 percentile Purpose of the plan: nationally, and in the 100.00 percentile in Connecticut. Nationally rated ❖ Provide information and set risk percentiles include strong winds (99.1), ice storms (97.6), hurricanes policies. (97.0), coastal flooding (96.0), earthquakes (88.0) and heat waves (84.8). These high ratings for the County emphasize the need for Norwalk to ❖ Describe actions to be taken establish or update protocols, strategies, and resources for storm related to trees and the urban preparedness, response, and recovery. forest. ❖ Effectively prepare for, respond to, and recover from a storm event. ❖ Support the expansion of funding resources for tree maintenance, debris management, and post-storm tree replacement. Figure 51. FEMA's National Risk Index for Fairfield County, CT Norwalk Connecticut Tree Master Plan 2024 | 91 Page 123 of 168 Section 5: Urban Forest Management Strategy Urban Wood Waste Utilization Norwalk may consider shifting from a contractor-focused tree maintenance program to one managed by City crews. This change could lead to a sustainable and cost-efficient wood waste utilization program, reducing expenses and supporting community initiatives. Wood waste in Norwalk comes from tree removals, pruning, curb-side pick-up, and resident drop-off. The City has a yard waste site on South Smith Street for tree and yard debris from permitted community members. Residents are encouraged to compost at home and mulch grass clippings into their lawns. Yard waste, including leaves, brush, and grass clippings, is processed into mulch for community gardens, park trails, and erosion control. The Department of Public Works manages yard waste collection and disposal, producing wood chips for various projects. The Norwalk Transfer Station & Recycling Center also processes clean wood waste for recycling and reuse. Larger wood debris, like tree logs, could be repurposed by local woodworkers if a market exists. Urban wood waste utilization promotes a circular economy, conserving natural resources and reducing greenhouse gas emissions. Reusing or recycling wood waste enhances resource efficiency and minimizes waste. Programs for repurposing urban wood support environmental sustainability, economic growth, and community development through local job creation and green initiatives. Urban wood is often underused, seen mostly as an expense. However, there are cost-effective alternatives with environmental and economic benefits. Many communities made an opportunity out of the devastation caused by emerald ash borers to their ash tree population. Economically, urban wood utilization can recover tree removal costs, reduce disposal fees, and generate community income. Environmentally, it conserves forest resources, reduces landfill waste, stores carbon, and minimizes transportation emissions. Socially, it educates the public about tree value and urban forest management, connects people to nature, and supports local economies. Uses for urban wood include high-value products, mulch, and energy sources. Figure 52. Examples of urban wood waste utilization from left to right: Portable sawmill processing a high-value cherry log; a mulch yard in Southington; a wood chip burning firebox at Hotchkiss School where the wood ash is then used as a soil amendment (Source: CT DEEP Division of Forestry, June 2014) 92 Page 124 of 168 RECOMMENDED URBAN WOOD WASTE UTILIZATION STRATEGY The following will enable Norwalk to identify opportunities to expand the program and strengthen its efforts toward sustainable management of the urban forest. 1) Assess Wood Waste Generation ❖ Complete a comprehensive public tree inventory and determine the amount of wood waste generated from public tree management operations, its sources, and current distribution methods. 2) Document Procedures and Protocols ❖ Develop and document procedures for alternatives to mulching and landfilling woody debris from public tree maintenance. Most debris from hazard abatement and storm cleanup could be mulched and made available for free pickup by residents if it is not used for City-led planting projects or other uses of mulch. Continue these efforts while expanding the reuse of logs for wood products such as furniture. ❖ Establish clear protocols with information on mulch drop-off/pick-up sites and woodworkers accepting wood waste to streamline the program. Include tracking and reporting of wood volume generated and establish a City Tree Debris Standard Operating Procedure. 3) Quantify Carbon and Waste Diversion Impacts ❖ Use wood volume tracking data to quantify the amount of carbon sequestered and repurposed through wood utilization. Assess the reduced costs associated with the program and the increased public awareness and engagement. ❖ Expand the wood utilization program and network of woodworking facilities using the collected data and protocols. Consulting firms like Cambium Carbon can assist with stakeholder engagement, biomass inventories, strategy development, impact studies, community education plans, business models, and revenue opportunities. 4) Engage Private Tree Care Companies ❖ Increase awareness and provide opportunities for private tree care companies to support sustainable practices such as urban wood utilization. Offer guidance and best practices for participating in wood waste reuse programs and activities. Short-Term Target Measure the current amount of wood volume repurposed annually and estimate the potential volume generated by expanding the program. Norwalk Connecticut Tree Master Plan 2024 | 93 Page 125 of 168 Section 5: Urban Forest Management Strategy PROGRAM STRUCTURE AND RESOURCES During the development of Norwalk’s Tree Master Plan, it was identified that the tree programs in the City collectively referred to as the Urban Forestry Program are under the purview of a combination of City departments and divisions with support from the Tree Advisory Committee and community partners. Staff feedback during the planning process indicated a need to clarify the program structure, roles and responsibilities, and other changes in order to improve the levels of service, coordination and collaboration, and efficiencies. The following provides a summary of the effects of consolidated tree- related programs and services into one City department or program along with a recommended approach to implement changes. Further analyses and studies should be conducted before adopting and implementing and changes. Figure 53. The City's organizational structure recreated to highlight tree-related departments, divisions, boards, and committees 94 Page 126 of 168 Consolidating tree programs and services into a single department or division may be considered for several reasons: ❖ Improved Coordination and Efficiency - Streamlined Processes: By housing all tree-related activities under one roof, the City can streamline processes, reducing duplication of efforts and ensuring that all tree management activities are aligned. - Clear Communication: A single department can facilitate better communication and coordination among staff, leading to more efficient decision-making and implementation of tree-related projects. ❖ Consistent Policies and Standards - Unified Approach: Consolidation allows for the development and enforcement of consistent policies and standards for tree care and management across the City. - Standardized Procedures: With one department overseeing all tree-related activities, procedures can be standardized, ensuring that all trees are managed according to the same high standards. ❖ Enhanced Resource Allocation - Focused Budgeting: A single department can manage a unified budget for all tree-related activities, allowing for more strategic allocation of resources. - Specialized Staffing: Consolidation enables the City to hire and train specialized staff who are dedicated to urban forestry, leading to higher quality care and management of trees. ❖ Better Data Management - Centralized Information: A consolidated department can maintain a centralized database of all tree-related information, making it easier to track tree health, maintenance needs, and other important data. - Improved Planning: With comprehensive data at their fingertips, City planners can make more informed decisions about tree planting, maintenance, and removal. Norwalk Connecticut Tree Master Plan 2024 | 95 Page 127 of 168 Section 5: Urban Forest Management Strategy ❖ Enhanced Public Engagement and Education - Single Point of Contact: Residents will have a single point of contact for all tree-related inquiries and concerns, improving customer service and public satisfaction. - Focused Outreach: A dedicated department can develop targeted outreach and education programs to engage the community in urban forestry initiatives. ❖ Environmental and Community Benefits - Healthier Urban Forest: Consolidation can lead to better care and management of the City’s trees, resulting in a healthier urban forest that provides numerous environmental benefits, such as improved air quality, reduced urban heat island effect, and enhanced biodiversity. - Community Well-being: Well-managed urban forests contribute to the overall well-being of the community by providing aesthetic beauty, recreational opportunities, and mental health benefits. ❖ Long-term Sustainability - Strategic Planning: A single department can develop and implement long-term strategic plans for urban forestry, ensuring the sustainability of the City’s tree canopy for future generations. - Resilience: Consolidation can enhance the City’s ability to respond to challenges such as pests, diseases, and climate change, making the urban forest more resilient. The City of Norwalk’s departments responsible for public street trees, park trees, and trees in private developments can significantly enhance their protocols, coordination, and collaboration by adopting a more integrated approach. Whether or not tree staff are consolidated into a single department, establishing clear communication channels and shared goals across departments is essential. By leveraging tree inventory data, departments can prioritize maintenance and planting efforts, ensuring that tree care is proactive and efficient. Collaborative planning with local partners and regional agencies can further align tree-related projects with broader urban development goals. Integrating trees into multiple projects and programs, such as stormwater management, public health initiatives, and community beautification efforts, will maximize the benefits of Norwalk’s urban forest, creating a more resilient and vibrant cityscape. 96 Page 128 of 168 Norwalk Connecticut Tree Master Plan 2024 | 97 Page 129 of 168 10-year Roadmap and Next Steps 10-YEAR ROADMAP AND NEXT STEPS Learn about the 10-year roadmap to achieve the strategies set forth in this Plan and learn how all members of the community can take part in the next steps. 98 Page 130 of 168 Next Steps The following table outlines the high-level 10-year priority actions for Norwalk’s Tree Master Plan, emphasizing the need for a coordinated and strategic approach to achieve the City’s tree canopy cover goal of 53% by 2053. To effectively implement and monitor the Tree Master Plan, the City of Norwalk should identify both internal and external stakeholders, formalize internal communications, coordination, and protocols, and begin public messaging immediately to foster a shared commitment to a sustainable urban forest. While the priority actions require additional investments, the Tree Master Plan provides the necessary context to build support for these initiatives, including the Tree Planting Strategy, the Urban Forest Management Strategy, the Storm Preparedness and Response Strategy, the Pest and Disease Management Strategy, the Urban Wood Waste Utilization Strategy, among others. Solidifying the roles and responsibilities of all stakeholders is crucial for the successful implementation of the priority actions presented in the table, ensuring that the City can achieve its long-term urban forestry goals. By 2053, Norwalk will achieve a 53% tree canopy cover, creating a resilient, sustainable, and vibrant urban forest that enhances the quality of life for all residents. Through strategic initiatives outlined in the Plan, the City will foster environmental stewardship, economic growth, and community engagement. This comprehensive approach will ensure that Norwalk’s urban forest thrives, contributing to a healthier, greener, and more connected community for generations to come. Norwalk Connecticut Tree Master Plan 2024 | 99 Page 131 of 168 10-year Roadmap and Next Steps 10-YEAR ROADMAP Immediate (Years 2024 & 2025) Priority Action Category Priority Action Description Lead* Supporting Role Partners Tree Planting Begin planting 1,604 trees annually, focusing on underserved DRP DPW Norwalk Tree Strategy neighborhoods. City to lead 70% of plantings (1,122 trees per Alliance, year). Apply the "Right Tree Right Place" principle by planting Community trees appropriate for the site including above ground and below Groups ground considerations. Public Tree Complete a comprehensive public tree inventory to inform DRP Tree Advisory Inventory species and location decisions. Maintain a GIS-based inventory Committee, management solution for tracking plantings, maintenance, and Consultants removals among other key data for management decisions. Utilize the inventory to report on the ecosystem benefits and services provided by trees and the asset value they contribute. Urban Forest Develop proactive public tree maintenance and risk DRP Tree Advisory Management management strategies. Identify priority maintenance corridors Committee Strategy beginning in underserved neighborhoods and establish a formal maintenance strategy for trees planted toward the canopy goal. Climate Conduct assessments to address climate vulnerabilities and DRP Environmental Vulnerability harmful pests/diseases. Agencies, Assessment Universities Organizational Review and improve the City’s organizational structure for tree DRP City Tree Advisory Structure programs to align with the needs of this Plan, Norwalk's Administration Committee Improvement programs, and the community. Plan for increased service demands given an increase in tree canopy cover, increased community awareness, and the challenges of climate change. Community Launch campaigns to build a network of tree stewards utilizing DRP City Norwalk Tree Outreach and community partners and existing programs. Communications Alliance, Engagement Schools, NGOs Updates to City Integrate Tree Master Plan information into City plans and PZD DRP Tree Advisory Plans policies like the Complete Streets Policy. Committee 100 Page 132 of 168  Green Create more space and soil volume for trees by integrating with DPW DRP Environmental Infrastructure green infrastructure and stormwater management. Agencies Integration Ordinance and Review and update Chapter 112 Trees and 2024 Zoning DRP City Legal Tree Advisory Regulation Regulations as needed to align with the Plan's strategies. Committee Review Continue to support the Legacy Tree Program per Chapter 112. Storm Develop and implement storm preparedness and response DRP Emergency Utility Preparedness strategies as recommended in the Plan. Utilize a Management, Companies and Response comprehensive public tree inventory. DPW, TMP Urban Wood Implement urban wood waste utilization strategies as DPW DRP Local Waste recommended in the Plan. Woodworkers, Utilization Recycling Centers Invasive Develop and implement invasive species management plans DRP Environmental Species for public open space, parks, natural areas, and properties. Agencies Management Begin by assessing the extent of invasive plant species of concern with a sample inventory or by other means. * DRP = Department of Recreation & Parks; DPW = Department of Public Works; TMP = Transportation, Mobility & Parking Department; PZD = Planning & Zoning Department Norwalk Connecticut Tree Master Plan 2024 | 101 Page 133 of 168 10-year Roadmap and Next Steps Short Term (Years 2-5) Priority Action Category Priority Action Description Lead* Supporting Role Partners Expand Tree Continue planting 1,604 trees annually, focusing on underserved DRP Norwalk Tree Planting neighborhoods with the City leading 70% of plantings (1,122 Alliance, trees per year). Address invasive plant species prior to planting Community in public parks and open spaces. Groups Monitor and Regularly monitor and report on tree inventory and health. DRP Tree Advisory Report Committee Public Expand public education on tree care and urban forest benefits. DRP City Schools, NGOs Education Communications Programs Enhance Green Further integrate trees with green infrastructure projects. DPW DRP Environmental Infrastructure Agencies Funding and Align budgets and secure funding for ongoing and new DRP City Finance Agencies, Budget initiatives. Other Mid Term (Years 6-10) Priority Action Category Priority Action Description Lead* Supporting Role Partners Sustain Tree Maintain the annual planting of 1,604 trees by utilizing the Tree DRP Norwalk Tree Planting Efforts Planting Strategy in the Plan with the City leading 70% of Alliance, plantings (1,122 trees per year). Community Groups Evaluate and Evaluate the effectiveness of current strategies and adjust as DRP Tree Advisory Adjust needed. Utilize the Indicators of a Sustainable Urban Forest Committee Strategies framework for evaluating and updating strategies. Expand Strengthen community engagement and stewardship DRP City Norwalk Tree Community programs as a coordinated Citywide effort with strategies to Communications Alliance, Engagement remove barriers to participation by all members of the Schools, NGOs community. Advanced Implement advanced green infrastructure projects integrating DPW DRP Environmental Green trees. Agencies Infrastructure Projects Comprehensive Conduct a comprehensive review of the Plan and policies. PZD DRP Tree Advisory Plan Review Committee 102 Page 134 of 168 LONGER TERM CONSIDERATIONS Long Term (Years 10+) Priority Action Category Priority Action Description Lead* Supporting Role Partners Achieve Ensure progress towards the 53% tree canopy cover by 2053 by DRP Norwalk Tree Canopy Cover establishing a Tree Planting Strategy for years 11-20 and 21-30 by Alliance, Goal priority neighborhood described in the Plan. Community Groups Sustainable Maintain sustainable urban forest management practices. DRP Tree Advisory Urban Forest Committee Management Long-Term Develop long-term funding strategies for urban forestry DRP City Finance Grant Funding initiatives and the resources (staffing and equipment) to Agencies, Strategies address a growing urban forest with increased service demands Private Sector and climate change challenges. Periodic Plan Regularly update the Tree Master Plan and related policies on a PZD DRP Tree Advisory Updates 10-year cycle aligned with reassessments of canopy cover and Committee updates to the public tree inventory. * DRP = Department of Recreation & Parks; DPW = Department of Public Works; TMP = Transportation, Mobility & Parking Department; PZD = Planning & Zoning Department PLAN MONITORING AND ADAPTIVE MANAGEMENT Revisit Indicators of a Sustainable Urban Forest: Conduct regular reviews of the Indicators of a Sustainable Urban Forest to monitor progress and inform updates to strategies and priority actions. Norwalk Connecticut Tree Master Plan 2024 | 103 Page 135 of 168 10-year Roadmap and Next Steps Conclusion Trees are an integral part of the community and the ecological systems in which they exist. They provide significant economic, social, and ecological benefits, such as carbon sequestration, reduction of urban heat islands, energy savings, reduction of stormwater runoff, improvement of water quality, enhancement of human health and wellness, and increase the value of properties. Planting and maintaining trees help Norwalk become more sustainable and reduce the negative impacts on the ecosystem from urban development. Trees are as necessary as water, infrastructure, and energy to sustain healthy communities. The health of the urban forest is directly linked to the health of the region. The City’s Tree Master Plan is a roadmap for a strategic approach to manage Norwalk’s public trees and has implications for the citywide urban forest. The Plan contains strategies and priority actions that are critical to the long-term vitality of trees. However, in order for the Plan to actually have an impact on the forest resource, it requires stewardship and financial resources to begin implementation. Further, it needs to be institutionalized as a document requiring implementation with a sense of urgency to get things started. Completion of the Plan clearly demonstrates that City leadership understands that a healthy urban forest is critical to guaranteeing the long-term health and vitality of the community, and that it is not a luxury but an absolute necessity. 104 Page 136 of 168 In order to accomplish the goals, the City should consider the following commitments: ❖ Recognize that the trees of the urban forest are more than aesthetic enhancements. ❖ Recognize trees as the backbone of the urban ecosystem and an essential part of the community’s green infrastructure. ❖ Promote the health and growth of the urban forest by following scientifically established best management practices for tree selection, planting, watering, and pruning. ❖ Promote a robust urban forest through policies and practices that reduce its vulnerability to known diseases or pest infestations, and future threats, including the anticipated effects of climate change. ❖ Engage in a continuous process of long-range planning for the growth and maintenance of the urban forest. ❖ Promote public appreciation of the urban forest through educational outreach programs. ❖ Support local businesses, institutions, organizations, and individuals in their efforts to grow and maintain the urban forest through community education. ❖ Proceed in a manner that is inclusive and transparent. Successful implementation of actions in this Plan will bring Norwalk to a higher level of service that is more equitably distributed across the City resulting in a sustainable and thriving urban forest that benefits all residents and future generations— ultimately achieving the Plan vision: By 2053, Norwalk will achieve a 53% tree canopy cover, creating a resilient, sustainable, and vibrant urban forest that enhances the quality of life for all residents. Through strategic initiatives outlined in the Plan, the City will foster environmental stewardship, economic growth, and community engagement. This comprehensive approach will ensure that Norwalk’s urban forest thrives, contributing to a healthier, greener, and more connected community for generations to come. Norwalk Connecticut Tree Master Plan 2024 | 105 Page 137 of 168 References and Appendices REFERENCES AND APPENDICES REFERENCES Abbot, J., Hartel, D., Kidd, S., Macie, E., Mitchell, C., “Urban Forest Sustainability and Management Review” spreadsheet developed by Urban Forestry South (USDA Forest Service, Region 8, SRS-4952, Athens, GA. Original checklist develop in cooperation with Agnes Scott College Office of Sustainability, the ASC Arboretum Advisory Council, and the City of Austin, TX, 2015. Clark, J. R., Matheny, N. P., “A Model of Urban Forest Sustainability: Application to Cities in the United States.” Journal of Arboriculture 24(2): pp. 17-30, March 1997. Coleman, J., “Heat waves cause more illness and death in U.S. cities with fewer trees,” ScienceNews, April 2024. Connecticut Department of Energy & Environmental Protection, CT DEEP. “Emerald Ash Borer in Connecticut.” CT DEEP Forestry, March 2022. Donnelly, C., Gabriela, D., “The Use of Wood from Urban and Municipal Trees,” Connecticut Department of Energy & Environmental Protection (CT DEEP), Division of Forestry, June 2014. James, P., Hart, J. E., Banay, R. F., Laden, F., “Exposure to Greenness and Mortality in Nationwide Prospective Cohort Study of Women,” Environmental Health Perspectives, 124(9): 1344-1352, September 2016. Kenney, W. A., van Wassenaer, P.J.E., and Satel, A.L. (2011). Criteria and indicators for sustainable urban forest planning and management. Arboriculture and Urban Forestry 37(3): 108-117. Kim Y. J., Kim, E. J. Neighborhood Greenery as a Predictor of Outdoor Crimes between Low and High-Income Neighborhoods. Int J Environ Res Public Health. 2020 Feb 25;17(5):1470. McPherson, G.E., van Doorn, N., de Goede, J., “Structure, function and value of street trees in California, USA,” Urban Forestry & Greening 17 (2016) 104-115. Mihandoust, S., Joseph, A., Kennedy, S., MacNaughton, P., Woo, M. Exploring the Relationship between Window View Quantity, Quality, and Ratings of Care in the Hospital. Int J Environ Res Public Health. 2021 Oct 12;18(20). Miller, R. W., Hauer, R. J., & Werner, L. P. (2015). Urban Forestry: Planning and Managing Urban Greenspaces, Third Edition. Miller, R. W. Urban Forestry: Planning and Managing Urban Greenspaces. New Jersey: Prentice Hall, 1988. 106 Page 138 of 168 Taylor, A. F., Kuo, F. E., "Children With Attention Deficits Concentrate Better After Walk in the Park," Journal of Attention Disorders 12.5 (2009): 402-409. The Connecticut Agricultural Experiment Station, CAES. “Hemlock Woolly Adelgid (HWA) Adelges tsugae Annand.” Accessed March 2024. Thompson R.P., The state of urban and community forestry in California: Status in 2003 and trends since 1988. California Dept. of Forestry and Fire Protection, Tech. Rep. 13, Urban Forest Ecosystems Institute, California Polytechnic State University, San Luis Obispo, CA, p. 48. 2006. U.S. Department of Agriculture, Animal and Plant Health Inspection Service, USDA APHIS. “Asian Longhorned Beetle.” March 2024. Ulmer, J.M.; Wolf, K.L.; Backman, D.R.; Tretheway, R.L.; Blain, C.J.; O’Neil-Dunne, J.P.; Frank, L.D. Multiple health benefits of urban tree canopy: The mounting evidence for a green prescription. Health Place 2016, 42, 54–62. WestCOG, “Growing Shade & Enhancing the Urban Canopy. A Tree Canopy Improvement Strategy for the City of Norwalk” 2018. WestCOG, Western Connecticut Council of Governments, “Growing Shade & Enhancing the Urban Canopy: A Tree canopy Improvement Strategy for the City of Norwalk.” Funded by American the Beautiful Grant from the Connecticut Department of Energy and Environmental Protection (CT DEEP). Developed by the Western Connecticut Council of Governments (WestCOG) with support from Norwalk’s Tree Advisory Committee, the Norwalk Tree Alliance, the Coalition of Norwalk Neighborhoods, and supporting City departments. White, M. P., et al., “Would You Be Happier Living in a Greener Urban Area? A Fixed-Effects Analysis of Panel Data,” Psychological Science (2013): 920-928. Wolf, K. Healthy Trees: Healthy City— Benefits of a robust urban forest. University of Washington (Seattle) School of Environmental & Forest Sciences, Tree Ambassadors, June 2020. Wolf, K. L., Lam, S. T., McKeen, J. K., Richardson, G. R. A., van den Bosch, M., Bardekjian, A. C., “Urban Trees and Human Health: A Scoping Review.” International Journal of Environmental Research and Public Health, June 2020. Norwalk Connecticut Tree Master Plan 2024 | 107 Page 139 of 168 References and Appendices APPENDIX ##. TREE-RELATED REQUIREMENTS IN NORWALK’S ZONING REGULATIONS Article 4: Building & Lot/Building Site Standards 4.3.16 Private Landscape Standards B. Maintenance of Landscaping. • Landscaping must be properly maintained by the property owner and successors. • Plantings must be kept attractive and healthy, including watering, mulching, fertilizing, pest management, mowing, weeding, litter removal, and pruning. • Dead or diseased plantings must be removed and replaced. • Natural water courses within buffers must be maintained naturally. • A water source must be within 100 feet of any planting requiring watering; non-native or non-drought tolerant plants need an irrigation system. • Landscape structural features must be maintained safely and attractively. • Pedestrian, bike, or other trails within buffers must be maintained for safe use. • Maintenance standards are enforceable by the Planning and Zoning Director, with costs recoverable. • A one-year maintenance bond is required for city-owned plantings. C. Removal of Walls or Trees. • Approval is required from the Decision-Making Authority to remove any existing walls or trees. • Trees within 30 feet of any street or internal drive line, or within 50 feet of a Special District or CD-1L, CD-1M, CD- 1S, or CD-2 District boundary, with a diameter of 8 inches or more (measured 3 feet from the base), cannot be removed without approval. • Walls or trees shown on a Site Plan or Sketch Plan submitted with a Zoning Permit application for Exempt Development or Construction cannot be removed without approval. D. Plant Material Standards and Sizes. • All required plant materials must meet American Standards for Nursery Stock. • Plants should be native to Connecticut, except for screening purposes. • When planting more than 20 trees, a mix of genera is required to ensure diversity. 108 Page 140 of 168  • Shrubs must reach a minimum height of 24 inches within 12 months and be spaced 40 inches apart when used as a hedge. • Canopy trees need a planting area at least 10 feet wide; accent and substitution trees need at least 8 feet wide. • Plants must be mulched at least 3 inches deep, keeping mulch away from tree trunks. • Foundation plantings must be within 5 feet of the building perimeter or in planter boxes if not feasible. • Screening plant materials must be evergreen with at least 90% opacity. • Trees must be a minimum of 2.5 inches caliper at installation. • Shrubs must be in a 3-gallon container and at least 30 inches tall at installation. • Plantings must not conflict with other required elements or plantings. • Hazardous ground vegetation or shrubs are prohibited in the first 2 feet of the front yard. E. Placement of Trees and Shrubs. • Trees and shrubs must be placed at least 18 inches from sidewalks or pavement edges. • Trees are not allowed in wet retention ponds or drainage maintenance easements. • Trees and shrubs must be installed at least 5 feet from the flow line of a drainage facility unless designed as water quality measures. • Existing trees may remain in dry retention ponds if the natural slope is undisturbed, they are adapted to seasonal flooding, and the pond is maintained. • Accent trees and shrubs are allowed in access easements if a 20-foot wide travelway is maintained clear of vegetation and sight triangle requirements are met. • Trees may be planted in utility easements with city and utility provider approval, provided the root structure does not extend more than 3 feet below ground. Shrubs may be planted within the outer 3 feet of the easement. • Property owners are responsible for replacing required vegetation if maintenance or utility requirements necessitate removal. Norwalk Connecticut Tree Master Plan 2024 | 109 Page 141 of 168 References and Appendices Article 6: City-wide Standards Section 6.2 Grading, Tree Removal, and Drainage 6.2.1 General B. Removal of Trees or Vegetative Ground Cover • Trees and vegetative ground cover control erosion by protecting the soil surface, holding soil particles in place, and enhancing soil water absorption. • They slow runoff velocity, remove subsurface water through evapotranspiration, and improve infiltration rates. • Clearcutting or removal of trees and vegetative ground cover is considered an erosion factor equivalent to grading and soil disturbance. • References to soil disturbance and grading include clearcutting or removal of trees and vegetative ground cover. Article 9: Definitions Specimen Tree: a tree that is particularly impressive or unusual example of a species due to its size, shape, age, or any other trait that epitomizes the Character of the species. 110 Page 142 of 168 APPENDIX ##. SUMMARY OF NORWALK’S TREE ORDINANCE Tree Warden • The Chief of Operations and Public Works designates a Tree Warden and Deputy Tree Wardens to enforce tree regulations. • The Tree Warden prepares permits, maintains records, and provides annual reports. They are advised by the Tree Advisory Committee. • The Tree Warden assesses and manages hazardous trees and shrubs, determines their value, and conducts tree canopy assessments, updated every 10 years. • The Tree Warden can issue citations, authorize tree removals, and recommend a budget for the Norwalk Tree Account. Tree Advisory Committee • Composed of five members appointed by the Mayor and approved by the Common Council, advises on tree- related issues, develops a Master Tree Plan, and creates an annual State of the Forest report to guide urban forestry. Legacy Tree Program • The Tree Advisory Committee will catalog legacy trees, with public input encouraged. • The Tree Warden keeps records of legacy trees and their locations. • A list of legacy trees is available to the public at the Tree Warden’s office. Planting Trees or Shrubs in Public Places • Public encouraged to support planting trees or shrubs in public areas. • Written permit application required, including a planting and maintenance plan. • Tree Advisory Committee reviews applications and notifies applicants within 30 days. • Planted trees or shrubs become city property after the maintenance period. • Tree Advisory Committee reports approved applications quarterly to the Tree Warden. • Unauthorized plantings must be removed by the responsible party or the Tree Warden. Altering or Damaging City Trees • No alteration or damage to city trees without a permit. • Written permit application required for pruning city trees, subject to a fee. • Tree Warden reviews applications and notifies applicants within 30 days. Norwalk Connecticut Tree Master Plan 2024 | 111 Page 143 of 168 References and Appendices Violations and Fines • Violations of tree regulations can result in fines up to $250 per tree or shrub. • The Tree Warden can issue citations for violations. • Severe damage to trees requiring replacement must follow specific guidelines. Removal of City Trees or Shrubs • A permit from the Tree Warden is required to remove any city tree or shrub, except as allowed by Connecticut General Statutes. • The Tree Warden must determine the necessity of removal based on health, safety, or mitigation of negative impacts on the urban canopy. • Written permit applications must include proof of notification to nearby property owners and relevant authorities. • Permits for removing trees with a DBH of six inches or more must be posted on the tree at least 10 days prior to removal. • Unauthorized removal requires replacement of the tree or shrub according to specific guidelines. Protection During Construction • Construction projects within the dripline of city trees must follow ANSI standards for tree care. • Violations can result in fines of $250 per day, per tree. • Severe violations may require a five-year bond equal to the tree’s assessed value. Tree or Shrub Replacement • Replacement of city trees or shrubs must follow specific guidelines. • Acceptable methods for replacing city shrubs include planting a comparable shrub or paying the shrub’s assessed value to the Norwalk Tree Account. • City trees can be replaced with a tree of equal or greater DBH, inch-for-inch replacement, or a payment to the Norwalk Tree Account. • Legacy trees require replacement with trees totaling four times the original DBH or a payment of four times the assessed value. • Replacement trees must be maintained for at least five years, with any dead trees replaced and maintained for another five years. 112 Page 144 of 168 Norwalk Tree Account • Established to fund activities promoting urban forestry, including tree canopy assessments and master tree plans. • Funded by fines, fees, gifts, grants, designated funds, and investment income. • Expenditures require Mayor’s recommendation and Common Council approval, primarily for purchasing and planting trees or shrubs. • Budget for tree planting must not be reduced due to account funds; expenditures add to existing budgets. Public Utilities • Tree Warden monitors public utility work to protect trees and shrubs. • Utilities must submit an annual work plan, including maps, tree removal lists, and contact information for licensed arborists and supervisors. • Work plans must be submitted 30 days prior to starting activities, with Tree Warden approval required. Enforcement • Notification of Violation: The Tree Warden will notify violators by certified mail or hand delivery, explaining the violation and giving a reasonable time for compliance. • Stop-Work Orders: Work must stop immediately upon verbal or written notice of a violation. A formal stop- work order will follow within seven days, detailing conditions to resume work. Continuing work after a stop- work order results in daily fines. • Willful Violations: Willful violations incur a civil penalty up to three times the tree or shrub’s assessed value. • Civil Actions: The City can seek court injunctions to stop or correct violations. • Legal Fees: Violators are responsible for the City’s legal fees incurred in enforcement. • Separate Violations: Each failure to comply (e.g., replacing a tree, making payments) is a separate violation, with daily fines. • Enforcement Authority: The Chief of Operations and Public Works, the Tree Warden, and Public Works employees enforce these provisions. Exemptions • Emergency Actions: The chapter does not apply to emergency alterations or damage ordered by the Tree Warden or City officials for hazardous trees or shrubs. • Permitted Actions: Actions properly permitted under state law are also exempt. Norwalk Connecticut Tree Master Plan 2024 | 113 Page 145 of 168 References and Appendices Appeals of Tree Warden Decisions • Appeal Process: Decisions by the Tree Warden can be appealed in writing. A public hearing will be scheduled, and a decision will be made within three business days of the hearing. • Further Appeals: Aggrieved parties can appeal the Tree Warden’s decision to the Superior Court within 10 days. 114 Page 146 of 168 APPENDIX ##. TREE PLANTING AND MAINTENANCE ESTIMATED COSTS Table 15. Summary of the Tree Planting Strategy's phase 1 plantings for Priority 1 neighborhoods City-led Private Property Development- Plantings (70% Owner Plantings led Plantings of total (20% of total (10% of total Tracking Metric or Criteria plantings) plantings) plantings) TOTAL Average Trees per Year 1,122 321 160 1,604 Total Trees Added 11,225 3,207 1,604 16,035 Added Annual Ecosystem Benefits of Matured Trees $189,088 $54,025 $27,013 $270,126 10-year Total Added Annual Ecosystem Benefits of Matured Trees $1,890,879 $540,251 $270,126 $2,701,256 Total Carbon Sequestered (lbs) 1,399,246 399,785 199,892 1,998,923 Asset Value ($358.60/tree)** $4,025,106 $1,150,030 $575,015 $5,750,151 Total Value & 10-year Benefits $5,915,985 $1,690,281 $845,141 $8,451,407 Average Subcontract Planting Cost Per Tree $408 $408 $408 N/A Average Cost per Seedling, Whips, etc. $10 $10 $10 N/A % of Total Plantings to be Caliper-sized (e.g., not seedlings) 100% 70% 100% N/A % of Total Plantings to be Seedlings / Whips 0% 30% 0% N/A Total # of Caliper-sized Trees 11,225 2,245 1,604 15,073 Total # of Seedling, Whips, etc. 0 962 0 962 Caliper-sized Plantings Cost $4,579,596 $915,919 $654,228 $6,149,743 Annual Caliper-sized Plantings Cost $457,960 $130,846 $65,423 $654,228 Seedlings, Whips, etc. Plantings Cost $0 $9,621 $0 $9,621 Annual Seedlings, Whips, etc. Plantings Cost $0 $962 $0 $962 Total Annual Planting Cost $457,960 $131,808 $65,423 $655,190 Average Annual Maintenance Cost per Tree in Maintained Areas $29.64 $29.64 $29.64 N/A Total Annual Maintenance Costs for Seedlings, Whips, etc. $0 $0 $0 N/A Total Annual Maintenance Costs for New Plantings in Maintained Areas $33,269 $6,654 $4,753 $44,676 Total Annual Costs of Plantings (planting + maintenance) $491,229 $138,462 $70,176 $699,866 Total Costs of Plantings (Initial Planting + Annual Maintenance Cost x 10 $4,912,290 $1,384,616 $701,756 $6,998,662 Years (Tree Master Plan)) Total Cost-Benefit (does not include energy savings) $1.20 $1.22 $1.20 $1.21 Norwalk Connecticut Tree Master Plan 2024 | 115 Page 147 of 168 References and Appendices Cost and Calculation Notes 1,122 / yr = City-led plantings | 321 = private | 160 = development-led = 1,604 / year to reach 53% UTC City = 70% of 16,035 or 11,225 | Private = 20% or 3,207 of 16,035 | Developers = 10% or 1,604 of 16,035 Based on 50% large; 30% medium; 20% small statured trees at maturity (i-Tree, USFS) - pulled from the "v3Scenario A) 53% 30 Yrs" tab Annual ecosystem benefits (“ecobenefits”) x 10 years (forecasted for cost:benefit analysis below) Based on 50% large; 30% medium; 20% small statured trees at maturity (i-Tree, USFS) - pulled from the "v3Scenario A) 53% 30 Yrs" tab 2016 USD adjusted to 2024 USD. Based on McPherson, et al., 2016 (view References) Sum of ecobenefits & asset value | Sum of ecobenefits & asset value Uses the average cost per tree from the planning consultant’s experience and database plus regional research $10/seedling for admin and handling (PlanIT Geo or “PG” estimate) PG recommendation | PG recommendations | PG recommendation PG recommendation | PG recommendations (30% = seedlings to make it easier for residents & businesses) | PG recommendation 100% of 11,225 trees | 70% of 3,207 trees | 100% of 1,604 trees 0% of 11,225 trees | 30% of 3,207 trees | 0% of 1,604 trees Cost per tree ($408) x 11,225 caliper-sized trees | $408 x 2,245 caliper trees | $408 x 1,604 caliper trees Total caliper-sized tree cost / 10 years | Total caliper-sized tree cost / 10 years | Total caliper tree cost / 10 years 0 seedlings x $10/seedling | 962 seedlings x $10/seedling | 0 seedlings x $10/seedling Divided by 10 years Annual caliper-sized trees & seedlings cost summed 2006 USD of $19 adjusted to 2024 USD. Based on McPherson, et al. 2016 and $19 is from Thompson, et al., 2006 Assumes no maintenance although it's understood minor maintenance may occur 1,122 trees/year x 100% = caliper trees x $29.64 maintenance cost/tree | 321 trees/year x 70% caliper trees x $29.64 maintenance/tree | 160 trees/year x 100% caliper trees x $29.64 maintenance/tree Initial planting cost + maintenance costs ($457,960 + $0 +$33,269) | $130,846 + $962 + $6,654 | $65,423 + $0 + $4,753) Annual x 10 years 10-yr ecobenefits + asset value / total costs 116 Page 148 of 168 APPENDIX ##. PRIORITY NEIGHBORHOOD MAPS Zoning Map Legend Color and Code Description (from 2024 Zoning) CD1L Sub-Urban - Large Lot CD1M Sub-Urban - Medium Lot CD1S Sub-Urban - Single-Family CD2 Sub-Urban - Single- and Two-Family CD3 General Urban CD3C General Urban - Corridor CD3W General Urban - Water CD4 Urban Center CD4W Urban Center - Water CV Civic District SDH Special District - Hospital SDIC Special District - Island Conservation SDMC Special District - Marine Commercial SDLI Special District - Light Industrial SDHI Special District - Heavy Industrial Water Water ⚫ Public Tree From 2023 Sample Inventory Norwalk Connecticut Tree Master Plan 2024 | 117 Page 149 of 168 References and Appendices Priority Neighborhoods TREE PLANTING PRIORITY MAP Planting Priority Scale Highest 1 2 3 4 Lowest Years: 0-10 10-20 20-30 No net loss Neighborhoods with Justice40 overburdened Years ◼ Priority 1 / underserved U.S. 1-10 Census Tracts Neighborhoods with U.S. Census Block Groups Years ◼ Priority 2 (CBGs) having a Tree 11-20 Equity Score <80 (out of 100) Neighborhoods comprised of CBGs with Years ◼ Priority 3 a Tree Equity Score 20-30 between 80 and 99 Neighborhoods No ◼ Priority 4 comprised of CBGs with net loss a Tree Equity Score of 100 118 Page 150 of 168 South Norwalk – Priority 1 Area Zoning Code Legend CD2 Possible Planting Locations CD3 Possible Planting Area (Grass) CD4 Possible Planting Area (Soil) CD4W Field Assessment Factors CV Canopy (2022) SDMC Schools SDLI  Recreation Fields Water Easements Public Tree ⚫ (2023 Sample) ||| Biking Paths Building Footprint Water ⚫ Public Tree (2023 Sample)  Street Lights ◆ Traffic Signals 30-Year Canopy Goal: 14% 34 trees per year Norwalk Connecticut Tree Master Plan 2024 | 119 Page 151 of 168 References and Appendices Golden Hill – Priority 1 Area Legend Possible Planting Locations Possible Planting Area (Grass) Possible Planting Area (Soil) Field Assessment Factors Canopy (2022) Schools  Recreation Fields Easements ||| Biking Paths Building Footprint Water ⚫ Public Tree (2023 Sample)  Street Lights Zoning Code ◆ Traffic Signals CD1S CD2 30-Year CD3 CD3C Canopy Goal: CD4 CV 40% SDHI Public Tree ⚫ (2023 Sample) 70 trees per year 120 Page 152 of 168 Woodward – Priority 1 Area Zoning Code Legend CD1S Possible Planting Locations CD2 Possible Planting Area (Grass) CD3 Possible Planting Area (Soil) CV Field Assessment Factors SDMC Canopy (2022) SDLI Schools Public Tree ⚫ (2023 Sample)  Recreation Fields Easements ||| Biking Paths Building Footprint Water ⚫ Public Tree (2023 Sample)  Street Lights ◆ Traffic Signals 30-Year Canopy Goal: 46% 140 trees per year Norwalk Connecticut Tree Master Plan 2024 | 121 Page 153 of 168 References and Appendices East Norwalk – Priority 1 Area Zoning Code Legend CD1S Possible Planting Locations CD2 Possible Planting Area (Grass) CD3 Possible Planting Area (Soil) CD3W Field Assessment Factors CD4W Canopy (2022) CV Schools SDMC  Recreation Fields SDLI Easements SDHI ||| Biking Paths Water Building Footprint Public Tree Water ⚫ (2023 Sample) ⚫ Public Tree (2023 Sample)  Street Lights ◆ Traffic Signals 30-Year Canopy Goal: 27% 77 trees per year 122 Page 154 of 168 Springwood – Priority 1 Area Legend Zoning Code Possible Planting Locations CD1M Possible Planting Area (Grass) CD2 Possible Planting Area (Soil) CD3 Field Assessment Factors CD4 Canopy (2022) CV Schools SDLI SDHI  Recreation Fields Public Tree Easements ⚫ (2023 Sample) ||| Biking Paths Building Footprint Water ⚫ Public Tree (2023 Sample)  Street Lights ◆ Traffic Signals 30-Year Canopy Goal: 38% 58 trees per year Norwalk Connecticut Tree Master Plan 2024 | 123 Page 155 of 168 References and Appendices Oak Hills – Priority 1 Area Legend Possible Planting Locations Possible Planting Area (Grass) Possible Planting Area (Soil) Field Assessment Factors Canopy (2022) Schools  Recreation Fields Easements ||| Biking Paths Building Footprint Water ⚫ Public Tree (2023 Sample)  Street Lights ◆ Traffic Signals 30-Year Canopy Zoning Code Goal: 63% CD1L CD1M CD1S CD2 CD3 CD3C 155 trees CV Public Tree per year ⚫ (2023 Sample) 124 Page 156 of 168 APPENDIX ##. URBAN FORESTRY PROGRAM STRUCTURE CONSIDERATIONS The following provides a general description of the process for considering a consolidation of tree programs and services: Table 16. Considerations for evaluating and addressing staffing and resource needs Phase Steps Staffing Additions Other Considerations Engage stakeholders Conduct a comprehensive assessment of current tree- Phase 1: Hire a consultant or (community members, related programs and services across all departments. Assessment and project manager to staff, and experts) for Identify overlaps, gaps, and opportunities for Planning (Year oversee the assessment input. Ensure alignment consolidation. Develop a strategic plan for 1-2) and planning process. with City goals and consolidation. policies. Establish a new Urban Forestry Division within an existing department (it is recommended to add this Appoint a Division division to the Department Public Works although the Manager. Transfer Develop clear roles and Phase 2: Initial Transportation, Mobility and Parking; Recreation and existing staff. Hire responsibilities. Create a Consolidation Parks; or Planning and Zoning Departments may be additional arborists and unified budget for tree- (Year 3-4) considered). Transfer urban forestry responsibilities to urban forestry specialists related activities. the new division. Begin integrating tree-related as needed. responsibilities from the other departments and programs. Hire additional support Complete the transfer of all tree-related responsibilities staff (e.g., administrative Monitor and evaluate Phase 3: Full to the Public Works Urban Forestry Division. assistants, GIS the effectiveness of the Integration Standardize procedures and protocols across all tree- specialists). Provide consolidation. Adjust (Year 5-7) related activities. Implement a centralized tree training for all staff on staffing and resources management system. new procedures and as needed. systems. Consider hiring external Continue stakeholder Phase 4: Conduct a thorough evaluation of the consolidated evaluators for an engagement to ensure Optimization Urban Forestry Division. Identify areas for objective assessment. community needs are and Evaluation improvement and optimization. Implement changes Adjust staffing levels met. Update strategic (Year 8-10) based on evaluation findings. based on workload and plan based on efficiency. evaluation results. Norwalk Connecticut Tree Master Plan 2024 | 125 Page 157 of 168 References and Appendices Table 17. Estimated costs for the City of Norwalk to staff and equip a 3-person in-house arborist crew for public tree maintenance Hours Cost per Hr per # of New Salary Salary Benefits Package Recommended Staff Totals per Staff FTE* Staff Per Staff Totals (40% of Salary) A) Lead Certified Arborist / Supervisor 2,088 $65.07 1 $135,860 $135,860 $190,205 $190,205 B) Certified Arborist 2,088 $55.29 1 $115,438 $115,438 $161,613 $161,613 C) Arborist 2,088 $49.62 1 $103,608 $103,608 $145,051 $145,051 Subtotal -- -- 3 $354,906 $496,868 $496,868 Total Annual Equipment† Hours Cost/Unit # of Units Cost Cost F450 Pickup (or similar) 1 $95,000 1 $95,000 -- 1 F450 Pickup hours 1,000 $16.94 1,000 -- $16,940 Chipper 1 $40,000 1 $40,000 -- Chipper hours 1,000 $16.94 1,000 -- $16,940 Bucket/Chip Truck 1 $300,000 1 $300,000 -- Bucket/Chip Truck hours 1,000 $16.94 1,000 -- $16,940 Subtotal -- -- -- $435,000 $50,820 Total Annual Gear† Hours Cost/Unit # of Units Cost Cost** PPE (personal protective equipment) -- $350 6 $2,100 $630 Uniforms -- $250 15 $3,750 $1,125 Arborist Saw -- $800 2 $1,600 $480 Ground Saw (Large) -- $800 2 $1,600 $160 Ground Saw (Medium) -- $500 2 $1,000 $100 Power Pole Saw -- $800 2 $1,600 $160 Pole Pruner -- $300 2 $600 $60 Rake -- $25 3 $75 $23 Shovel -- $25 3 $75 $23 Brush Bucket -- $40 2 $80 $24 Cart -- $50 2 $100 $25 Other (e.g. blower) -- $500 2 $1,000 $250 Subtotal -- -- 43 $13,580 $3,059 TOTAL UPFRONT COST (est.) $803,486 ANNUAL COST (est.) $550,747 *Wage rates are estimated based on industry averages **Accounts for equipment depreciation and replacement †Equipment costs are based on 2021 estimates gathered from dealerships by PlanIT Geo at municipal rates / discounts. Gear based on 2024 estimates and municipal discounts 126 Page 158 of 168 Table 18. Estimated training costs for the new in-house arborist crew staff Recommended Staff # of New Staff Training Costs per Staff Total Training Costs A) Lead Certified Arborist / Supervisor 1 $2,000 $2,000 B) Certified Arborist 1 $2,000 $2,000 C) Arborist 1 $2,000 $2,000 Subtotal 3 $6,000 $6,000 Table 19. Summary of estimated costs for a 3-person in-house arborist crew Cost Item Amount Annual Staff Cost $496,868 Vehicle, Equipment, and Gear Purchase $448,580 Total Upfront Cost $945,448 Annual Operating Costs (supplies, clothing, equipment, rental, etc.) $53,879 Annual Training, Certifications, and Membership Costs $6,000 Total Annual Cost $556,747 Note, the above costs are estimates and provided solely for the City’s consideration in the future in the event that the demand increases and/or the opportunity arises in terms of resources. Incremental changes may also be considered such as seasonal / part-time staffing and focusing public tree maintenance in underserved neighborhoods. Approving of the Tree Master Plan does not infer approval of the budget for this hypothetical 3-person in-house arborist crew. Norwalk Connecticut Tree Master Plan 2024 | 127 Page 159 of 168 References and Appendices IN-HOUSE OR CONTRACTED SERVICES? Most Public Works agencies have the option of performing urban forestry tasks using in-house staffing and equipment or using contractors who specialize in various arboricultural and horticultural disciplines and services. Often, a combination of using both in-house personnel and contractors is chosen to ensure that the urban forest management services provided are performed at the lowest possible cost, as efficiently as possible, and with the greatest level of expertise. Additionally, for special projects, or tasks that are not daily responsibilities, Public Works agencies will often use consultants on an as-needed basis. There are potential advantages and disadvantages to using in-house staff and contractors for urban forest management. Both the leadership of the program (the tree warden, urban forest manager, city forester, city arborist) and the workers in the program (tree planting, maintenance, stump removal, insect and disease control), can be inhouse or contracted. The advantages and disadvantages for both levels are generally summarized as these: In-House Management - Forester/Arborist Advantages • Deep ties within the community. • Has or will build “institutional knowledge.” • Is available at a moment’s notice to perform a wider variety of tasks. • Is directly accountable to the citizens and the Public Works director. Disadvantages • May only be experienced in limited aspects of arboriculture and urban forest management. • Investment must be made in equipment for this position, such as a vehicle, computer, and diagnostic tools. • May need to invest time and funding for obtaining and maintaining certifications, licenses, and other training. • Not easily removed from the position if performance is substandard. Contracted Management - Urban Forestry Consultant Advantages • Usually is very experienced and knowledgeable on a wide array of topics. • Can provide a high level of knowledge in a specific area, such as hazard tree identification, tree valuation, ordinances and technical specifications, tree preservation. • Can be released from service more easily. • Usually is fully and pre-equipped with a vehicle and computer. 128 Page 160 of 168  • All certifications, licensing, and continuing education are already in place and separately provided. Disadvantages • Contract agreement may limit flexibility in job assignments. • If used regularly, and for an extended period of time, can be more expensive in the long term. • Administrative time must be provided for contract writing, monitoring, and invoice processing. In-house Crews and Work Production Advantages • More flexible for other work assignments. • Quality can be perfected to meet community standards through training and over time. • Can respond more quickly to emergencies. • Workforce is more stable. • Staff can be more knowledgeable about the community, and can be motivated by pride and residency. • More control over training and specializations. • No administrative time is needed to write and oversee contracts. Disadvantages • Large investment in equipment and maintenance, for example, a lift truck and chipper can cost $140,000 per crew. • Workers are paid regardless of work production quantity, efficiency, and quality. • Difficult to release from employment. • Public Works Department is responsible for damage caused by crew actions. • Public Works Department is responsible for on-the-job injuries and workman’s compensation. Contractual Crews and Work Production Advantages • Funds are paid only for work performed and when completed to specifications and the satisfaction of the Public Works department. • Labor is available for peak demands and special projects; there is cancellation and no cost when work is not needed or when the weather is poor. Norwalk Connecticut Tree Master Plan 2024 | 129 Page 161 of 168 References and Appendices • Contractor provides all required equipment, tools, and supplies; repair, maintenance, and downtime of equipment are not the responsibility of the Public Works department. • All insurance and workman’s compensation is the responsibility of the contractor. • Contractor provides employee supervision, training, and certifications. • Liability for damage to public and private property is the responsibility of the contractor. Disadvantages • Contractors are bound by the specifications of the contract; their work assignments are not as flexible. • May not be as quick to respond to emergencies as in-house crews. • Administrative time is required for contract writing, monitoring, and invoice processing. 130 Page 162 of 168 DRAFT TREE MASTER PLAN NORWALK, CONNECTICUT OCTOBER | 2024 Page 163 of 168  TREES Genus/Species Common Name Size Acer rubrum Red Maple 2.5" - 3" cal. Acer saccharum Sugar Maple 2.5" - 3" cal. Amelanchier x grandiflora (single-stem) Autumn Brilliance Serviceberry (single-stem) 1.5" - 2" cal. Betula nigra River Birch 2" - 2.5" cal. Carpinus betulus 'Fastigiata' Fastigiate European Hornbeam (columnar) 2.5" - 3" cal. Carpinus caroliniana American Hornbeam 2.5" - 3" cal. Celtis occidentalis (single-stem) Common Hackberry (single-stem) 2.5" - 3" cal. Cercis canadensis Eastern Redbud (pink) 2.5" - 3" cal. Cornus alternifolia Alternate-Leaf Dogwood 1.5" - 2" cal. Cornus kousa Kousa Dogwood 2" - 2.5" cal. Cornus x Rutcan 'Constellation' Constellation Flowering Dogwood (white) 2" - 2.5" cal. Crataegus crus-galli var. inermis Thornless Cock-Spur Hawthorn 2" - 2.5" cal. Crataegus viridis 'Winter King' Winter King Green Hawthorn 2" - 2.5" cal. Ginkgo biloba 'Princeton Sentry' Princeton Sentry Ginkgo 2.5" - 3" cal. Gleditsia triacanthos var. inermis Thornless Common Honeylocust 2.5" - 3" cal. Ilex x 'Nellie R. Stevens' Nellie Stevens Holly 7' - 8' ht. Juniperus virginiana Eastern Red Cedar 7' - 8' ht. Larix laricina American Larch 8' - 10' ht. Liquidambar styraciflua American Sweetgum 2.5" - 3" cal. Liquidambar styraciflua 'Slender Silhouette' Slender Silhouette American Sweetgum 2.5" - 3" cal. Liriodendron tulipifera Tuliptree 2.5" - 3" cal. Magnolia x Soulangiana Saucer Magnolia 2.5" - 3" cal. Malus 'Donald Wyman' Donald Wyman Crabapple 2" - 2.5" cal. Malus 'Adirondack' Adirondack Crabapple 2" - 2.5" cal. Nyssa sylvatica Black Tupelo 2.5" - 3" cal. Ostrya virginiana Eastern Hop-Hornbeam 2" - 2.5" cal. Picea abies Norway Spruce 7' - 8' ht. Picea glauca White Spruce 2" - 2.5" Pinus strobus Eastern White Pine 7' - 8' ht. Platanus occidentalis American Sycamore 2.5" - 3" cal. Platanus x acerifolia 'Bloodgood' Bloodgood London Planetree 2.5" - 3" cal. Prunus sargentii 'Columnaris' Columnar Sargent Cherry 2" - 2.5" cal. Prunus sargentii Sargent Cherry 2.5" - 3" cal. Prunus serrulata 'Kwanzan' Kwanzan Cherry 2" - 2.5" cal. Prunus 'Autumnalis' Higan Cherry 2" - 2.5" cal. Quercus bicolor Swamp White Oak 2.5" - 3" cal. Quercus coccinea Scarlet Oak 2.5" - 3" cal. Quercus palustris Pin Oak 2.5" - 3" cal. Quercus robur 'Fastigiata' Pyramidal English Oak 2.5" - 3" cal. Quercus rubra Red Oak 2.5" - 3" cal. Salix alba 'Niobe' Golden Weeping Willow 2.5" - 3" cal. Sophora japonica Japanese Pagodatree 2.5" - 3" cal. Syringa reticulata Japanese Tree Lilac 2.5" - 3" cal. Thuja occidentalis 'Green Giant' Green Giant Arborvitae 7' - 8' ht. Tilia americana American Linden 2.5" - 3" cal. Tilia americana 'Redmond' Redmond American Linden 2.5" - 3" cal. Tilia cordata 'Greenspire' Littleleaf Linden 'Greenspire' 2.5" - 3" cal. Zelkova serrata Japanese Zelkova 2.5" - 3" cal. Magnolia virginiana Sweetbay Magnolia 2"-2.5" cal. Ulmus parvifolia Lacebark Elm 2.5"-3" cal. Ulmus americana 'Princeton' American Elm 'Princeton' 2.5"-3" cal. Taxodium distichum Bald-cypress 2.5"-3" cal. Gymnocladus dioicus Kentucky Coffeetree 2"-2.5" cal. Maackia amurensis Amur Maackia 2"-2.5" cal. Page 164 of 168 Koelreuteria paniculata Goldenrain Tree 2"-2.5" cal. Acer buergerianum Trident Maple 2.5-3" cal Cladrastis kentukea Yellowwood 2"-2.5" cal. Parrotia persica Persian Parrotia 2"-2.5" cal. Eucommia ulmoides Hardy Rubber Tree 2"-2.5" cal. Page 165 of 168 Page 166 of 168 Page 167 of 168 Page 168 of 168