Nashville’s Urban Trees Under Threat: A Call to Preserve Health, Community, and Nature

Nashville’s Trees: Guardians of Health, Wealth, and Happiness

In Nashville, conversations around trees often bloom into lively discussions, sparking passion and concern. They’re more than just towering features of our city; they symbolize a connection to nature that brings immeasurable benefits to those who embrace them. With the influx of urbanization and development, folks in Music City are grappling with the quickening pace of change that threatens their beloved tree canopy.

The Importance of Our Canopy

Healthy trees nourish our environment, creating a much-needed canopy that filters air and sequesters carbon. This canopy isn’t merely an aesthetic feature; it also serves as a shield against the harsh effects of urban living. After all, did you know that trees can help lower blood pressure and relieve stress? Nashville physician and former U.S. Senate Majority Leader Bill Frist has even likened the health benefits of trees to medicine.

West Nashville boasts a remarkable 56 percent tree canopy coverage, but this number tells a skewed story. In more developed areas like downtown Nashville, only 8 percent of its 1,667 acres is covered by trees. Low-income neighborhoods in North and South Nashville (21% and 27% respectively) are further compromised, a situation highlighted in Metro’s 2023 Urban Tree Canopy Assessment.

What’s Threatening Our Trees

The survival of our trees is increasingly jeopardized by three key threats. First up is the pesky emerald ash borer, an invasive beetle responsible for the destruction of ash trees. Arriving from Asia, this tiny villain can wreak havoc by eating away at their hosts, leaving cities grappling with the ramifications.

Then, there’s the volatile climate we’ve come to accept. The frequency of violent storms has surged, with Nashville finding itself in a notorious region for tornadoes. These storms don’t just buffet our trees – they can clear entire neighborhoods within minutes. Healthy, well-maintained trees with sturdy branches can withstand these powerful winds much better than weak, neglected ones.

The final threat? Us. Often out of fear, many homeowners opt to remove perfectly healthy trees, mistaking them for hazards. Mike York, a local arborist, emphasizes that they’re not adversaries; trees have been around far longer than our homes and play a crucial role in our wellbeing.

Building Legal Protections

Understanding these struggles, some members of the Metro Council have started laying down laws to protect Nashville’s foliage. Burkley Allen, a councilmember, reflects on the tension between development and nature, urging for policies that keep our leafy friends safe amidst the construction frenzy. Recent legislation mandates new trees to take the place of those lost and introduces stricter tree protection protocols.

As home developers gain ground, advocates rally to restore and protect the environment. Ginger Hausser, the recent executive director of the Nashville Tree Conservation Corps, underscores that preserving our trees should be a priority, echoing sentiments from the community. This unified effort extends to campaigns like Root Nashville, aimed at planting 500,000 trees across the city by 2050.

The Community Connection

What’s remarkable is the way tree initiatives foster a sense of community. Perhaps, the most profound realizations arise during interactions with these giants. For example, Kay Quinn fell in love with an Osage orange tree on her lawn, deciding to preserve it after contemplating its longevity and vitality. “I’ll just keep taking care of it. As its guardian,” Quinn shares, showcasing the deep bond that can form between a human and a tree.

As Nashville grapples with its identity amid burgeoning growth, it’s clear that the battle for trees is both a fight for nature and a fight for the essence of community. Trees provide us with shade during the hot summer days, hold stories of people past, and bring life to our urban spaces. Ultimately, advocacy for Nashville’s trees means advocating for a healthier, happier, and wealthier community.

What Lies Ahead

The preservation of our urban canopy is crucial, and engaging in tree care should be as widespread as planting new ones. As Mike York eloquently notes, “If we focused as much effort on keeping the trees up… as we do planting new trees, we wouldn’t have to plant as many new trees.” The future of Nashville’s trees – and the welfare of its residents – hinges on thoughtful actions taken today.

As we appreciate the beauty of Nashville, let’s also remember the role our trees play in our lives, and advocate for their protection. Together, we can create a future where both our city and its canopies thrive.