DeKalb County’s Department of Planning and Sustainability has released its Urban Tree Canopy (UTC) Study, offering a detailed analysis of the county’s tree coverage and its changes over time. The study defines urban tree canopy as the area covered by leaves, branches, and stems when viewed from above, emphasizing its importance in supporting healthy urban environments.
The assessment was conducted by Eocene Environmental Group using satellite imagery and GIS mapping to evaluate tree canopy trends between 2010 and 2023. It focuses on unincorporated areas of DeKalb County, which are generally less developed than incorporated cities. The report identifies environmental, social, and economic benefits provided by the county’s trees and suggests strategies for future management.
Key findings show that in 2010, nearly 58% of land in unincorporated DeKalb was covered by trees. By 2023, this figure had risen to more than 60%. The increase is mainly attributed to new plantings or growth of existing trees, while decreases are linked primarily to recent development in light industrial zones.
The study quantifies several benefits from the urban forest such as carbon sequestration, air pollution removal, stormwater runoff reduction, and energy savings. Recommendations include policy updates, continued data collection, and comprehensive management practices for sustaining the county’s green spaces.
“DeKalb’s extensive tree canopy and green spaces contribute significantly to the county’s quality of life and appeal as part of a major metropolitan area,” according to the study. “A continued healthy balance between growth and tree canopy cover will be essential to maintaining DeKalb’s long-term livability, environmental resilience, and quality of life for residents.”
For more information or to access the full report visit https://engagedekalb.dekalbcountyga.gov/dekalb-tree-canopy.
Enrollment at DeKalb County schools dropped by 2.2% during the 2022-23 school year compared with the previous year (https://www.gadoe.org/). During that same period there were a total of 98,287 students enrolled in DeKalb County schools (https://www.gadoe.org/). White students represented about 14% of all students enrolled in these schools for that year (https://www.gadoe.org/).
