WDET is embarking on a new project exploring the multifaceted relationship between trees and community health in Michigan.

Amanda Le Claire, lead reporter and managing editor of the tree project, joined The Metro on Earth Day to talk about Detroit’s tree canopy and some of the most recent stories produced by the WDET newsroom.

Le Claire also shared a conversation she had with Andrew “Birch” Kemp, executive director of Arboretum Detroit, about a community forest restoration project on Detroit’s east side.

Studies have shown that urban tree canopies help make communities more climate resilient, reduce air pollution, and combat the urban heat island effect — exposing residents to higher risks of heat-related illness and higher cooling costs. 

The tree canopy project will dig into all of these topics and more over 24 months of reporting.

Use the media player above to hear the full conversation.

–WDET’s Jenny Sherman contributed to this report.

More stories from The Metro on Tuesday, April 22:

• Detroit’s Pope Francis Center leader reflects on late pontiff’s legacy
• Enjoy ‘Art in the Trees’ at Palmer Park in celebration of Earth Day
• Detroit Public Library is ready to help in many ways
• Michigan ends mandatory life sentences for 19 and 20-year-olds convicted of murder

Listen to The Metro weekdays from 10 a.m. to noon ET on 101.9 FM and streaming on-demand.

More stories from The Metro

Detroit’s General Service Department is looking to increase the tree canopy across the city to improve citizens’ quality of life. The department is accepting requests from residents for tree plantings in their neighborhoods.

The free program is open to residents and small businesses to plant a tree on the berm in front of their property.

Savion Stephens, tree planting program manager for the city of Detroit, says trees can help improve residents’ quality of life.

“And what that looks like is improving air quality over time, conserving water, reducing soil erosion, filtering runoff, reducing flooding, and even things like lowering energy costs and raising property values,” he said.

Trees are also known to trap pollutants such as dirt, ash, pollen and smoke which can help those with asthma.

Stephens says the city plants over 50 different species of tree throughout the city.

“They’re primarily urban tolerant trees for public and private property, including some native species like oak and elm,” he said.

The planting process involves three phases: utility marking, tree location marking, and tree planting. Eligibility for a tree is assessed based on site conditions, including utility lines and soil quality.

The city has planted up to 14,000 trees annually through this program.

Residents who would like to request a tree must fill out this form.

Detroit’s five reasons to plant a tree

1. Clean air. Trees absorb pollutants and improve air quality, reducing respiratory issues.
2. Cooler summer. A single tree can lower temperatures by up to 10°, providing shade and cutting cooling costs.
3. Stronger neighborhoods. Tree-lined streets increase property values and create a more welcoming community.
4. Flood prevention. Trees absorb excess rainwater, reducing the risk of street flooding.
5. Wildlife Habitat. Trees support birds, bees, and other beneficial wildlife, keeping our ecosystem balanced.