June 17 Tree Commission meeting
Covered by Documenter Nick Muffet (see the notes here)
Can planting more trees in Akron save lives — and could losing them cost lives?
Geoffrey Donovan believes so. The natural resources economist based in Portland, Oregon, presented research this summer to the Akron Tree Commission, explaining how urban tree canopy directly impacts public health.
Donovan’s study concluded that, for every 100 trees planted, one death could be prevented. Donovan noted that older trees are even more effective because they absorb more air pollution.
In another study, he focused on how trees impact rates of heart and lung disease — separating the effects of tree cover from other factors such as income, race and education. Using data from across the Midwest and East Coast, Donovan concluded that approximately 15,000 cardiovascular deaths and 6,000 lower respiratory disease deaths between 1990 and 2007 were linked to tree loss.
Other national sources support similar conclusions. A 2024 article from Harvard Health notes that green spaces can reduce stress, improve heart health and support mental well-being. The Arbor Day Foundation says trees can lower blood pressure and reduce asthma rates. And according to the U.S. Forest Service’s Ohio Forest Health Highlights, urban trees help clean air and improve community safety.
Donovan’s data did not cover Akron. Still, board members of the Akron Tree Commission said at the June meeting the research was relevant. Board member Gabriel Forté and Matthew Knull, an arborist (tree surgeon) for the City of Akron, asked if Donovan could attend future city meetings or provide materials for reference.
Donovan said he would be happy to.
So where does Akron’s tree count stand?
The 2020 “State of the Canopy” prepared by Davey Resource Group — the latest data available — states Akron’s urban tree canopy covers 34.85% of the city’s land area. The data, which was based on aerial imagery from 2018, was trending downward (1.93%) from 2011 because Akron loses about 6,540 trees annually.
To combat this, Keep Akron Beautiful announced plans last year to plant 100,000 trees in Akron by 2034.
Commission Reviews Rules and Outreach
The Tree Commission is also working to update its ordinances. These changes aim to clarify the group’s role, rules and responsibilities. The revisions will also introduce the city’s new Master Tree Planting Plan.
Sarah Vradenburg, Akron Tree Commission’s board chair, asked if the commission would have a chance to review the ordinance language before it moves forward. Assistant Law Director John Skakun said the text would be shared with the commission only after it is reviewed and approved by the mayor’s cabinet. After that, the draft would go to the full commission and then to City Council for final approval.
Vice Chair Jeff Fusco described the changes as minor adjustments meant to “clean up” existing rules rather than overhaul them.
The Tree Commission is also working to improve its communication strategy. Plans include partnering with the city’s communications department to increase social media updates and add more videos to the commission’s website.
Right now, the commission doesn’t have the power to hear objections to tree planting. Skakun said a separate amendment is being developed with Fusco to give the commission that authority in the future.