Balancing Growth of Today with Trees for Tomorrow: Surrey Tree Canopy Cover Analysis

This research/management project involved calculating Surrey’s tree canopy in 2001 and 2009, projecting how the tree canopy will change over time if current practices continue, and preparing a set of strategic recommendations for improving the future tree canopy. A new method combining satellite image analysis, GIS, and on-site tree inventory was developed as an efficient approach to this innovative pilot study. Recommendations focus on maximizing the benefits of the tree canopy through changes which can practically be achieved within the City without sacrificing housing affordability.