Hillsboro Urban Forest

In 2020, Hillsboro had 18% urban tree canopy cover and 28% possible planting area, not including any surface water bodies within the city. The City’s urban tree canopy percentages above are based only on land area since water bodies are not suitable for planting new trees without significant modification. Land cover percentages were calculated within the total area of interest, which includes water bodies. The City’s total land cover contained 18% tree canopy, 31% non-canopy vegetation; 4% soil/dry vegetation; 46% impervious surfaces, and less than 1% water. The 3,040 acres of tree canopy in Hillsboro provide a multitude of economic, environmental, and social benefits, valued at just over $2.8 million annually, as well as $20 million in carbon storage. City-owned land made up 9% of Hillsboro’s total land area, had 38% canopy cover, and contained 18% of the citywide canopy distribution in 2020. Privately owned land made up the other 91% of the city’s land distribution, had 17% canopy cover, and contained 82% of Hillsboro’s tree canopy. View page 11 of this assessment to see how Hillsboro’s canopy cover compares to that of other nearby municipalities.

Recommendations

The results of this analysis can be used to develop a continued strategy to protect and expand Orangeville’s urban forest. With 514 hectares of possible planting area, Orangeville has the opportunity to increase urban tree canopy coverage on both public and private property.

39% of the Town’s PPA falls within Residential land use types (R1-7, RM1-2). With partnerships, education, and outreach programs to private landowners, Orangeville can aim for larger gains in the townwide canopy numbers. It is important for the Town to use the results of this assessment and the canopy goal setting scenarios to inform future investments in the urban forest so that all those who live, work, and play in Orangeville can benefit from the urban forest. The Town should proactively work to protect the existing urban forest and replenish the canopy with additional trees to reach a desired canopy cover goal by 2040. Through management actions, strategic plantings, and protections for existing canopy informed by the UTC, PPA, and planting prioritization metrics included in this report, Orangeville has an opportunity to expand its current urban tree canopy to its fullest and most equitable potential.

Fill out the form to access the Hillsboro Urban Tree Canopy Assessment.