There are two types of tree planting activities that can earn Bay Pollution Diet credit for your community. Urban tree canopy expansion includes small-scale residential planting or new street trees. This practice provides pollution reduction credit for every new, individually planted tree in a developed community. Urban forest planting establishes a forest-like condition, and provides credit by meeting state planting density and understory management requirements. Both practices provide water quality benefits because of the trees’ ability to intercept rainfall and reduce runoff. The Chesapeake Stormwater Network provides a variety of resources on urban forest management practices. Resources include a webinar and expert panel report with recommendations that include a revised urban tree canopy BMP credit for tree planting. Recommendations are based on a review and synthesis of the scientific literature, best professional judgement, and the approved tree canopy land use loading rates for nitrogen, phosphorus, and sediment.
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