Technological advancements and plentiful satellite imagery have made tree canopy analysis more accessible than ever. Cities of all sizes are now able to acquire current, accurate land cover data to inform their urban forest planning and management. Bexley, Ohio, a first-ring suburb of Columbus with approximately 13,5000 residents, is a perfect example of how smaller cities benefit from tree canopy assessments too.

Bexley’s beautiful tree-lined streets are a key piece of the city’s character and the city has put priority on maintaining and growing its urban forest. In 2021, Bexley contracted PlanIT Geo™ to conduct an Urban Tree Canopy Assessment to get a comprehensive view of the city’s current canopy distribution and establish a baseline for future comparisons. With the canopy data in hand, Bexley is now working to develop short- and long-range canopy goals and a phased planting plan.

Bexley also joined the Husqvarna Urban Green Space Index (HUGSI) in 2021, a platform providing a valuable source of greenspace data and a global network of cities committed to increasing their urban tree canopy.

We interviewed Susan Quintenz, Sam Metcalf, and Grant Archer, from the City of Bexley, on their urban forestry program and the benefits of tree canopy data.