Urban Forest Systems and Green Stormwater Infrastructure

This document focuses on the effects of trees on urban stormwater runoff, provides some helpful urban forest management strategies to maximize stormwater benefits, and demonstrates several examples around the United States where the stormwater benefits of urban trees are credited for reducing stormwater volume and pollutant loading.

This document provides a synthesis of the science around how urban trees help mitigate problems associated with stormwater runoff. Several tree crediting tools and case studies are provided to help State and local governments better account for the stormwater benefits of urban forests. A complementary manual for stormwater professionals that investigates incorporating forestry into stormwater management programs is available through the Water Research Foundation. The Urban Watershed Forestry Manual, developed by the Center for Watershed Protection, provides more detail about methods for increasing forest cover in a watershed, conserving and planting trees at a development site, and an urban tree planting guide.

Urban Forest Systems and Green Stormwater Infrastructure