FINDINGS

In 2020, Greenville had 34% tree canopy cover and 30% possible planting area, not including any surface water bodies within the city. Greenville’s total land cover contained 34% tree canopy, 33% non-canopy vegetation; 2% soil/dry vegetation; 30% impervious surfaces, and 2% water. The 8,218 acres of tree canopy in Greenville provide ecosystem benefits valued at over $3.4 million per year through air quality improvements, stormwater runoff prevention, and carbon sequestration. Results from this assessment found that canopy cover changed from 31% to 34% from 2014 to 2020 (+3% or 742 acres) using the current city boundary. City Council District 1 contained the largest distribution of Greenville’s total canopy cover at 35% and 30% of all PPA in the City.

RECOMMENDATIONS

This assessment produced a wealth of information that can be used by the City to set a community-wide tree canopy cover goal. The information were also provided within several subdivisions of the city that will allow for setting goals and targeting priority areas for specific regions of the community based on existing tree canopy cover, available planting space, sociodemographics, and nature accessibility.

Fill out the form to access the Greenville Tree Canopy Assessment