What We Know
Imagine every neighborhood in Charlottesville as a forest where children and their families have access to clean air, shade trees, and vibrant parks. Instead, the reality in some Charlottesville neighborhoods is quite different
Charlottesville’s tree canopy coverage declined significantly since 2004.
Also, the majority of neighborhoods have had a loss of tree canopy.
Residential zones below 40% tree canopy are considered unhealthy neighborhoods where residents suffer more from heat related illnesses and asthma.
According to the Fire Department, with under 25% tree coverage, 10th and Page has the highest rate of cardiac arrest in the City.
Unfortunately, 10 of Charlottesville 19 neighborhoods are below 40% tree canopy.
Three neighborhoods, 10th & Page, Rose Hill and Starr Hill, are below 25% canopy cover, which corresponds to areas subjected to historical redlining and inequitable development policies.
ReLeaf prioritizes planting and preserving trees on private property where the City cannot.
As discovered in the latest Canopy Study, about 75% of the areas for tree planting in the City are on private property.
At Venable school on the same day last summer, the temperature difference between the shaded playground and the hot playground was 20° - 82° to 102°
This past July, Charlottesville recorded its highest recorded temperature of 103 in the shade.
Without the benefit of shade from trees, temperatures in the sun can register as much as 20 degrees higher.