LEXINGTON’S URBAN FOREST

In 2020, Lexington had 23% urban tree canopy cover and 33% possible planting area, not including any surface water bodies within the City. The City’s total land cover contained 23% tree canopy, 33% non-canopy vegetation; 3% soil/dry vegetation; 40% impervious surfaces, and 1% water. The 12,649 acres of tree canopy in Lexington provide a multitude of economic, environmental, and social benefits, valued at just over $6.5 million annually, as well as $111 million in carbon storage. Of the nine property ownership types in Lexington, Lexington-Fayette Urban County Government-owned property had the highest canopy coverage at 32%. However, privately owned land contained the most canopy, overall, containing 9,384 acres or 74% of all canopy in the City. Privately owned lands also contained the greatest potential for canopy expansion, offering 12,983 acres (35% PPA by area and 73% of the City’s total plantable space).

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