Growing a Healthier Urban Forest in Downtown York
Downtown Inc, in partnership with Bartlett Tree Experts, recently completed a comprehensive Tree Inventory and Urban Forest Management Plan to better understand the condition of street trees throughout the City of York. This study, funded by the PA Department of Conservation and Natural Resources, looked at 820 trees and nearly 1,900 potential planting sites along approximately 17 miles of major arterial streets and the Business Improvement District and provides a roadmap for caring for and growing York’s urban forest over the next several years.
What We Found
The results show that York’s urban forest is full of potential. Most of the trees inventoried are young to semi-mature, meaning they are still growing and will continue to provide increasing benefits like shade, cleaner air, and stormwater control. About 42% of trees were rated in fair condition, which signals a strong opportunity for improvement with the right care and investment.
The inventory also revealed that while York has a good mix of tree species overall, one species stands out: Callery pear. This invasive tree makes up about 20% of the total tree population. Because it is prone to breakage and does not support local ecosystems well, the plan recommends gradually replacing these trees with stronger, longer-living species that are better suited to urban conditions.
Improving Tree Health from the Ground Up
One of the biggest challenges identified was soil and growing conditions. Many trees are planted in compacted soils or small tree pits with limited room for roots to expand. Some also have buried root collars, which can weaken trees over time.
To address this, the plan emphasizes:
- Improving soil quality and nutrition
- Performing root collar excavations
- Providing targeted fertilization and plant health care
- Expanding planting areas where possible
These steps will help trees grow stronger, live longer, and better withstand stress from traffic, heat, and storms.
Keeping Our Streets Safe
Public safety is a major focus of the plan. The inventory identified trees that need pruning, closer monitoring, or removal due to structural concerns. A small number of trees will receive advanced evaluations before decisions are made. This proactive approach allows the City and Downtown Inc. to reduce risk while preserving as much healthy tree canopy as possible.
Why It Matters
York’s trees already provide major environmental benefits:
- Store more than 360 tons of carbon
- Remove over 200 pounds of air pollution each year
- Reduce stormwater runoff by nearly 49,000 gallons annually
- Have an estimated replacement value of more than $800,000
These numbers show that trees are not just beautification—they are critical infrastructure.
Looking Ahead
Looking ahead, Downtown Inc plans to work with York City and our other partners to begin maintenance on trees in most need of care and new tree plantings in the areas identified in the plan as most lacking in canopy coverage. By planting new trees, quickly replacing removed ones, and giving existing trees the care they need, we can grow a healthier, greener city for everyone.
This Tree Inventory and Urban Forest Management Plan gives our community a clear path forward ensuring that future generations can enjoy healthier streets, cleaner air, and a more vibrant downtown.
Click here to view the full inventory and urban forest management plan.
