Increasing Shade Coverage in Gilbert, AZ
Learn about the Gilbert Shade and Streetscape Master Plan
About
In Arizona, trees and shade structures are critical assets of infrastructure and require long-term strategy and implementation. Gilbert's Shade and Streetscape Master Plan , approved by Town Council in January 2022, aims to create a healthier, more livable community through strategic investment in the maintenance and growth of the urban forest (trees) and engineered shade (structures).
The Master Plan's focus is two-fold:
- How to increase the shade canopy cover across Gilbert (public & private)
- How to manage shade across Gilbert public land
The roadmap focuses on eight guiding principles to foster the creation of a shaded environment:
- Increase Comfort & Shade (Trees & Structures)
- Reduce Urban Heat Island Effect & Increase Urban Cooling
- Create Public and Private Connections and Relationships
- Long-Term Shade Canopy Health
- Low Impact Development & Green Infrastructure Techniques
- Create Cool Temperature Hubs
- Ensure Accessibility & Education
- Continued Long-Range Processes
Goals
Let's dig into the data of the first guiding principle: Increase Comfort and Shade. The Maricopa Association of Governments (MAG) recommends 60% shade coverage for pedestrian routes and gathering spaces, also known as active transportation systems, to be comfortable. Gilbert's active transportation system coverage is currently estimated at 22%.
The United States Department of Agriculture (USDA) Forest Service recommends 30% shade coverage for arid regions and Gilbert's currently coverage is estimated to be at 11%.
Best Practices
Gilbert's goal is to increase the comfortability and shade coverage to match the best practices of MAG and the USDA. Let's dig into how this relates to the following land types:
Focus Samples
15 representative geographies of the Town were identified as focus samples. The focus areas are broken into eight focus areas and seven corridors.
Studies found that these sample areas represent broad and diverse sections of the Town and could yield replicable solutions for the greater community.
View the Shade and Streetscape Master Plan to learn about detailed opportunities for each focus sample.
Coverage Goals
Through close documentation of Gilbert and a comparison of best practices along with the capability to support additional shade, the following coverage goals were created for each of the following land types.
- Schools: 30%
- Parks (Neighborhood): 60%
- Parks (Community & Regional): 30%
- Parking Lots: 60%
- Retention Basins: 60%
- Residential: 30%
- Commercial: 30%
- Streetscapes: 30%
Here is an example of shade coverage at a school, Carol Rae Elementary:
View the Shade and Streetscape Master Plan to see more examples of shade prototypes of the different land types.
Cool Hubs
Gilbert's focus on the quality and quantity of shade and trees on public lands will implement citizen desires for “cool temperature hubs” and pedestrian-friendly corridors.
The map shows the placement of imagined "cool hubs" in the community. Each cool hub consists of multiple components to help cool an area but also provide a space for people to cool down.
These components include built shade, trees, additional vegetation, seating, and access to water.
Here is an example of a cool hub in a park:
View the Shade and Streetscape Master Plan to see more examples of shade prototypes of the different land types.
Tree Database
Trees provide a multitude of benefits beyond shading, making them an invaluable addition to the community. Trees have the ability to cool the climate around them, reduce the urban heat island effect, absorb water and carbon, absorb/catch pollutants, produce oxygen, reduce heating/cooling bills and more.
There are 17,082 trees documented in Gilbert providing 4,563 acres of tree canopy coverage, according to a recent tree inventory completed for all town-maintained areas.
The Town has been consistently recognized by Tree City USA for over 12 years, most recently in 2021, for its commitment to effective urban forest management. The Tree City USA program is sponsored by the Arbor Day Foundation, in partnership with the U.S. Forest Service and the National Association of State Foresters. Cleaner air, improved stormwater management, energy savings, increased property values, and commercial activity are among the benefits enjoyed by Tree City USA communities.
In Gilbert, the top 3 oxygen-producing tree species are the Palo Verde, Chinese Elm, and Live Oak. These species, as well as the 20 additional trees identified in the Master Plan, are available in the database below and include information needed to make the decision process as easy as possible when deciding to plant.
Interested in learning more about the trees or looking to plant some in your yard? Check out the Tree Database below:
Stay Tuned
As the saying goes, "The best time to plant a tree was yesterday." The projected shade coverage of young existing trees will take time as illustrated below in the example of estimated growth projected over the next 5 and 10 years over a 1/8-mile corridor.
The growth may be subtle, but these shade structures will have you covered 😉 with long-term benefits of cooler temperatures, energy savings, are more!
Learn more about Gilbert's commitment to increasing shade in the community and caring for and managing public trees.
