tREE COUNT: 339

Established in 2017, Canton Canopy is an all-volunteer run initiative operating in affiliation with the Canton Community Association and with support from the Baltimore City Forestry Board and Baltimore City Urban Forestry Division. Canton Canopy's mission is to facilitate the planting of trees in existing tree pits, fundraise and apply for grants in order to cut new tree pits, and organize volunteers to help with the care and maintenance of the community's trees. 

With a mere 5% tree canopy, Canton falls far behind the American Forests recommended 40% tree canopy for healthy cities. Trees benefit our urban communities in many ways. A 2012 analysis of Baltimore’s tree canopy and crime rates found that a 10% increase in tree canopy was associated with a roughly 12% decrease in crime. Furthermore, homes landscaped with trees sell more quickly and are worth 5-15% more than houses without trees.

TreeBaltimore estimates the current value of services provided by Baltimore trees:

• $3.3 million a year in energy savings by shading buildings from the summer sun and blocking winter winds;

• $10.7 million a year storing 527 tons of carbon. Carbon dioxide is a harmful gas that contributes greatly to the greenhouse effect;

• $3.8 million a year by removing 700 metric tons of air pollution (carbon monoxide, nitrogen dioxide, sulfur dioxide etc);

• $1.6 million a year by removing 244 metric tons of ozone. Ground-level ozone is the main ingredient in smog and a leading contributing factor of asthma.

Over the life of a single tree, it is not unreasonable to conclude that $57,000 in economic and environmental benefits are provided.

Interested in improving the landscape of Canton? Join our e-mail list and follow us on Facebook for updates on upcoming events!

https://www.facebook.com/CantonCanopy/

e-mail: cantoncanopy@cantoncommunity.org