Tree Canopy Analysis
An annual tree canopy analysis will be conducted for the next four years to further study tree canopy loss in Mecklenburg County.
Mecklenburg County's tree canopy is declining, but it may not be declining as quickly as previous studies have shown. The chart and table below provide a breakdown of each years analysis. In 2023, 50.24% of county land area was covered in tree canopy. The analysis shows that Mecklenburg County has lost roughly 1.70% of tree canopy coverage since 2012. This represents an overall loss of canopy at approximately 5,700 acres (or an area roughly 4 times the size of Latta Nature Preserve).
Tree canopy loss seems to be attributed to residential and commercial development, while new tree plantings, tree save programs and ordinances help maintain canopy coverage.
An annual tree canopy analysis will be conducted for the next four years to further study tree canopy loss in Mecklenburg County.
Tree Canopy Trend Analysis
| Sphere of Influence (SOI) Land Area Tree Canopy Analysis Land area = 336,701.03 acres | ||||
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Year | Tree Canopy Acreage | % Tree Canopy | % Difference | |
2001 | 185,539.82 | 55.11% | 0.00% | |
2008 | 174,983.09 | 51.97% | -3.14% | |
2012 | 169,718.79 | 50.41% | -1.56% | |
2016 | 170,724.42 | 50.71% | 0.30% | |
2023 | 169,172.12 | 50.24% | -0.46% | |
In the context of city planning, sphere of influence refers to the impact, control, or planning authority a government, organization or business has beyond its official boundaries.
| County Boundary Tree Canopy Analysis County boundary = 349,393.29 acres. | ||||
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Year | Tree Canopy Acreage | % Tree Canopy | % Difference | |
2001 | 185,539.82 | 53.10% | 0.00% | |
2008 | 174,983.09 | 50.08% | -3.02% | |
2012 | 169,718.79 | 48.58% | -1.51% | |
2016 | 170,724.42 | 48.86% | -0.29% | |
2023 | 169,172.12 | 48.42% | -0.44% | |