The City of Lancaster is dedicated to improving the quality of life for its residents and visitors by increasing its urban tree canopy. These efforts will have long-term benefits for the community by reducing stormwater flow, cooling homes in the summer, lessening air pollution, increasing property values, and adding beauty to City streets. The City has been awarded $500,000 in federal American Rescue Plan Act Funding from Lancaster County via Lancaster Clean Water Partners to plant 250 new trees in empty sidewalk wells and to remove dead trees and stumps for future tree installations. These new trees will be an important addition to the over 12,000 trees that line City sidewalks and parks.

“We are looking to move from a reactive position of shade tree management in the City to one of proaction. Removing hazardous trees and planting new trees in these locations will enhance the streetscape and increase walkability,” said Cody Kiefer, Urban Forester with the City of Lancaster. “In turn, trees will enhance our neighborhoods and commercial hubs and provide long-term economic benefit to residents and businesses alike,” said Kiefer.

The City of Lancaster chooses trees that tolerate urban stressors and require only standard amount of care and maintenance. Increasing the urban tree canopy is a proven way to enhance the quality of life for our community and is aligned with the Building On Strength Plan.