The City conducted its first tree canopy analysis in 2006 and is required by City Ordinance, Chapter 13 to conduct an analysis and comparison every five years. The final report from a study of area tree coverage, conducted by the City, the University of South Florida, the University of Florida and the UF-IFSA/Hillsborough county Extension Service is now available for public review. Read the 2006-2007 Urban Ecological Analysis (UEA). Information from the report will allow m the City to develop management strategies to maintain a sustainable tree canopy for the future.
In 2006, Tampa had an estimated 7.8 million trees with a replacement value of $1.4 billion.
Summary of Tampa's 2006-2007 Urban Forest and Associated Functional Values
| Number of Trees | 7.8 million |
| Tree Cover | 28.1% |
| Top 3 Species | Red Mangrove, Brazilian Pepper, Black Mangrove |
| Pollution Removal | 1,360 tons/year ($6.3 million/year) |
| Carbon Storage | 511,141 tons ($10,386,389) |
| Gross Carbon Sequestration | 46,525 tons/year ($945,396/year) |
| Value of Energy Conservation | $4.2 million |
| Compensatory Value | $1.4 billion |
2006-2007 Urban Forest Study Supporting Documents | |
2011-2012 Tree Canopy Study
A tree canopy analysis is a study of where trees are located within an area and how much area the tree canopy covers. The tree canopy analysis will identify the extent of the existing tree canopy, identify the potential for new tree plantings, and provide a baseline to monitor the tree canopy coverage. The City of Tampa has partnered with the Tampa Bay Watershed-Forest Working Group, a consortium that includes the University of South Florida and the University of Florida on the project.
Using satellite imagery, researchers measured and assessed the condition of the city's urban forest as well as the social and economic benefits provided by trees. Survey crews also collected field data from sample sites to verify the satellite imagery. This information will help strategically plan and target resources for the greatest return on investment in our tree canopy, including reduced stormwater runoff and reduced energy consumption.