By Vincent Cotrone, Urban Forestry Educator

This article first appeared in the Penn State Extension Community Trees newsletter--

Across America, downtown commercial districts struggle to compete with big box stores and online shopping.

For small downtowns to flourish economically and socially, they need to attract shoppers and residents by creating attractive, safe, walkable settings that people want to visit and spend time out of their cars.

Trees play a major role in creating that setting, and research has shown that shoppers have positive views about tree-lined business districts.

National research conducted by Dr. Kathleen Wolf at the University of Washington looked at consumer preference finding that shoppers preferred business districts with trees and that landscapes projected feelings of comfort, upkeep, product quality, and merchant caring.

The studies also found that shoppers are willing to travel longer distances, visit more frequently, and stay longer in downtowns with trees. Consumers were even willing to pay more for products in tree-lined business districts.

Details on this research can be found at Dr. Wolf's website, the Human Dimensions of Urban Forestry and Urban Greening.

Creating tree-lined downtown business districts that are appealing and become destinations requires thoughtful consideration to allow trees, businesses, and people to thrive in inviting spaces where shoppers and visitors spend more time and money.

The Penn State Extension article-- Designing Downtowns Fit For Trees-- includes a wealth of information on developing attractive and comfortable tree lined downtown shopping areas.

The article is full of links to resources and tips on making tree projects a success covering issues like--

-- Species considerations & selection

-- Site preparation

-- Solving tree sign conflicts

-- Minimizing other conflicts

Click Here to read the entire article.

You can also view the Penn State Extension Urban Forestry Program webinar Creating A Downtown Fit For Trees.

Upcoming Events

-- Multiple September Dates: Green Industry Professionals Landscape Pest Walks

-- September 26: Meeting Critical Human Needs Within Our Community Forest Capabilities

-- October 2: 4-Day Arborist Short Course, York

-- October 3: Natural Areas Management: Expanding Green Industry Business Opportunities

Other Community Tree Articles:

-- In Managing Woolly Aphids On Trees, Consider The Alternate Hosts

-- Landscape Installation: Planting Depth Does Matter

-- Lace Bugs On Oak

-- What To Do About Spotted Lanternfly On Ornamental Trees, Plants In Residential And Public Landscapes

(Reprinted from the Penn State Extension Community Trees for Green Industry Professionals newsletter.  Click Here to sign up for your own copy (bottom of page).)

[Posted: August 29, 2023]

9/4/2023