Why Atlanta Is The 'City In a Forest'

ATLANTA, GA -- Ever take a drive through an Atlanta neighborhood and notice the lush greenery? The city boasts some impressive buildings and asphalt promenades, but trees are the dominant feature in Atlanta's landscape.

City officials realize the importance of preserving the area's natural canopy. That's why in November a proposed amendment, called the "Tree Trust Fund," was established to buy up forested property around town.

The Atlanta City Council unanimously approved the measure, which ensures free public access to the land. The city has long had a tree protection ordinance, but the upgrade further cements Atlanta's commitment to healthy living by protecting mature forested areas.

This graphic by Lawnstarter shows some important numbers about Atlanta, "the City in a Forest."

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The issue is of urgent importance to tree lovers. Three out of the top 10 metro areas in the Southeast have experienced net tree loss since 2008, according to the Atlanta Canopy Alliance, which unites tree lovers around the city by getting them to pledge support for nature preservation efforts.

“Atlanta is perhaps the only major city in America that retains a viable portion of high-quality, native forest land," the Atlanta Canopy Alliance said in response to the amendment to the city's tree ordinance. "However, most of Atlanta’s land is privately owned, so most of that forested land is subject to development. It is critical for the health and functioning of our urban ecosystem to protect existing forested land in addition to planting more trees.”

Image via Pixabay