NASHVILLE-DAVIDSON COUNTY

Mayor Dean wants more trees

Mayor Karl Dean addressed Nashville Tree Foundation’s public forum July 14, confirming his commitment to the urban forest but acknowledging that economic conditions constrain Metro’s efforts.

"Trees are a big part of the city we're working on together," Dean said. “I will work to expand the number of trees we plant,” Dean said. “Trees are something we should be investing more in and doing more with,” he said.

He enumerated the city’s efforts, including investing in open space, restricting development in flood plains, acquiring park land such as the Hill Tract and Peeler Park, and creating one of the country’s first green streets on Deaderick.

“We should have streets like Deaderick all over town,” he said.

State of the Urban Forest

Tree Foundation board member Joan Armour opened the forum with an overview of Nashville’s urban forest. She called on the city for more planting, better coordination, and an urban forester position.

Dean pointed out that the recession required tough choices on where to spend Metro’s money and that he hoped as revenues increased more could be done. "Tree planting remains a top goal," he said.