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PER TREE Cities such as Charlotte, Charleston, and Burlington spend between $20 and $35 per tree (Figure 17). If Wake Forest were to spend a comparable amount on maintaining the cur- rent population of 14,700 street trees, this would mean a budget of between $314,000 and $512,000 annually. However, it is likely that Charlotte and Charleston have tree populations that are more mature than Wake Forest’s, and therefore require more maintenance each year. Current per-tree data is not available for Raleigh, Durham, or other local municipalities, but may become available when their tree inven- tories are completed.
The Town should continue to search for and apply for grants, collect donations from community organizations and individuals, and locate alternate sources of program funding.
Proposed 2013-2014 Budget While current economic conditions require careful prioritization of how town funds will be spent, it is important to recognize that the growing number and size of trees, expanding
greenway system, and increasing demand for parks and open space will require the town to provide additional resources or see a decline in services. In any year in which the urban forestry program’s budget is decreased, the town also becomes ineligible for the Tree City USA Growth Award. The proposed program budget for FY 2014 represents a slight increase (7%) over the current budget, but will allow for a greater level of service, due to the increased cost-effectiveness of new program staff versus contractors. Over the next 5 years, we recommend additional increases in the total program budget, either through staff or contractors, in order to meet growing demands. Grants, Donations, and Fines The urban forestry program has received numerous grants from the state for planting projects, and more recently, to construct and outfit a volunteer tree nursery and to begin a volunteer training program. Additional staff would allow the urban forester to continue to apply for these programs. Local organizations and individuals have made one-time and recurring donations to the program as well, particularly in support of Arbor Day and tree planting projects in the spring. Additionally, partnerships with other organizations, in-kind and financial support. In 2012, one fine was issued to a resident who destroyed trees on town property, and these funds also support the urban forestry program. Cost/Benefit Ratio: The US Forest Service has published estimates for the average annual benefits and costs of four types of trees over a 40 year period. Using these estimates and the 2012 street tree inventory data, it is estimated that the town can expect to pay an average of approximately $370,000 to maintain its street trees (Table 16). The benefits of these trees, including increased property values and improved air and water quality, are estimated at more than $1 million annually. Large deciduous trees and conifers have the best benefit to cost ratio, while small trees have the lowest. Overall, for every dollar invested in street trees, the town can expect to receive $2.80 in services. If maintained properly, these trees will provide $23 million in benefits above and beyond their maintenance costs.
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