The Fairfield Forestry Committee is encouraging residents to plant trees along the public portion of their property as part of an effort to increase the town’s tree canopy. The initiative, known as the Tree Planting Program, is managed by the committee in coordination with Jeffrey Minder, the town’s tree warden.
The effort is designed to expand Fairfield’s shade tree coverage while involving residents directly in improving the local environment and strengthening the town’s natural landscape.
Minder said Fairfield has more than 270 miles of roads and an estimated 50,000 to 70,000 trees along public rights of way, but faces growing challenges including aging trees, development and invasive insects and diseases.
“With an old, aging forest, we now face many challenges in trying to preserve what we have and to continue to ensure that our future is green,” Minder said.
Environmental researchers say urban trees do more than improve air quality by filtering pollutants. They also cool neighborhoods, reduce stress, and support both mental and physical health. A 2023 study in The Lancet found that increasing tree coverage in cities could prevent thousands of premature deaths each year.
“By increasing and maintaining our canopy we are investing in long term environmental resiliency, long term sustainability and an investment in public health,” Minder said.
Fairfield is doing its part in investing in tree canopies, but the non profit Washington-based American Forests found that tree coverage is often lacking in lower-income communities The organization is trying to close the gap through its Tree Equity program by partnering with cities nationwide to expand urban forests. The organization created a Tree Equity Score Map, an interactive tool that rates neighborhoods on a scale from 0 to 100 based on whether they have enough tree canopy to deliver health, climate and economic benefits. Scores above 60 indicate adequate coverage. Fairfield scores relatively high overall, but neighborhood-level data reveal gaps in tree canopy.
To expand the Fairfield’s tree canopy, officials will plant only shade trees on the side of streets without utility lines this spring, meaning no ornamental trees will be offered for the Spring season, said First Selectman Christine Vitale said in a recent town-wide newsletter.
Residents who participate in the program pay a $200 fee. In return, a member of the forestry committee will conduct a site visit to determine which tree species is most appropriate for the location. After the consultation, the town plants the selected tree in the public right of way along the property line.
According to the committee, the fee covers the consultation, the cost of the tree, planting services and a watering bag if space allows. The program is intended to make the process simple for residents while ensuring that trees are planted in appropriate locations and maintained properly.
Minder said the selection process follows a “right tree, right place” philosophy, taking into account factors such as available space, sunlight, overhead utility wires and public safety.
“We look at what trees are less susceptible to insect and disease and what will give us the most ecologically healthy and diverse species for our future canopy,” Minder said.
Residents interested in participating in the program can request a tree by submitting a service request through the town’s Tree Planting webpage. Applicants should select “Request for Service,” followed by “Tree Issues,” and then “Tree Planting Request.”
