Why do trees in parking lots matter?
Trees benefit us in so many ways! Do you notice how some parking lots have great shade? Or look more visually appealing? Along with these practical reasons to have trees in parking lots, there are great environmental and health-related reasons to increase parking lot trees. Trees absorb pollutants, make our air cleaner, help calm us and boost our mental health. And don’t we all choose to park under the shade of a tree, to keep our vehicles cooler?
How did the interns develop some actions steps?
In 2023-2024, two teams of interns analyzed two different properties, observing where the trees were planted and how much shade they provided. The teams also learned about parking lot codes and compliance, tree irrigation efficiency, and factors related to tree health and community benefits. Their team report documents their processes, findings and contact with property managers.
How can parking lots be improved? Most parking lots can improve their trees and shade by adding stream rotors to the sprinklers, removing dead trees, improving pruning practices, or adding trees in empty areas. Positive suggestions and reasons can be made to property managers and owners for making investments to improve parking lots and the shopping experience.
What can community members do? The intern teams drafted short reports to the property management, highlighting violations of city codes and proposing corrective actions. They included suggestions for modifying maintenance practices and engaging with arborists for expert advice—and included compliments for positive experiences in the parking lot. Community members can follow these same steps, starting with how trees are essential for a community and how we can make these properties better for community members.
Community members can also map trees in their neighborhood parking lots. These maps will be part of the 2024-2025 intern teamwork, and this effort will be planned, coordinated, analyzed and promoted by the team. Instructions and updates will be linked on this page.
