From the Greenwich Tree Conservancy

Over 90% of American households own at least one car, and in Connecticut, 77% of residents drive to work. Parking is everywhere in Greenwich, but it doesn’t have to be an eyesore.

Since 2018, the Greenwich Tree Conservancy has made greening city parking lots a priority. This summer, 14 additional trees were planted in the William Street and Henry Street parking lots in Byram as part of the Parking Parks initiative.

Parking lot on William Street. Photo by Kate Dzikiewicz

Unshaded sidewalks can be up to 7°C hotter than shaded areas, contributing significantly to the heat island effect in urban areas. One of the simplest yet most effective ways to combat this problem is to plant trees. The shade provided by trees helps keep parking lots and cars cooler, but they also provide many other benefits for human health and the environment.

Trees reduce water runoff from paved surfaces and improve air quality by removing particulate matter, ozone and other pollutants. They also reduce the visual impact of parking lots and help them blend more harmoniously into the surrounding neighborhood. Studies have shown that they reduce stress, improve mood, promote physical activity and reduce crime rates in the neighborhoods where they are planted.

Henry Street parking lot in Byram. Photos by Kate Dzikiewicz

The Greenwich Tree Conservancy takes a “right tree in the right place” approach and works with Dr. Greg Kramer, Director of Parks and Tree Services and Tree Warden for the City of Greenwich.

Parking lots present a challenge for trees, and Dr. Kramer selects ornamental and shade trees that fit the aesthetics of a neighborhood and can withstand the heat, air pollution and road salts they may be exposed to.

The Greenwich Tree Conservancy is dedicated to preserving and enhancing Greenwich’s urban tree canopy and is proud to include these two properties in its Parking Parks initiative.