Enhancing Urban Resilience: The Impact of Tree Planting on Stormwater Management and Heat Island Reduction in Baltimore

Urban tree planting serves as a strategy for improving environmental resilience. This research explores the dual integration and benefits of tree planting into stormwater management systems and as a strategy to mitigate the urban heat island effect. It evaluates the performance of existing stormwater management practices and analyzes the co-benefits of tree canopy coverage in enhancing these systems. It utilizes existing literature and various tree-planting scenarios modeled at Broadway East Baltimore. The analysis reveals that increasing tree canopy coverage significantly improves stormwater management by enhancing infiltration, reducing surface runoff, and mitigating flood risks. Additionally, the presence of trees helps improve air quality, offering critical cooling benefits and contributing to overall public health. The results underscore the dual advantages of incorporating green infrastructure into urban planning, demonstrating that tree planting addresses stormwater challenges and enhances climate resilience and sustainability. This research provides valuable insights for policymakers and urban planners aiming to integrate nature-based solutions into climate adaptation strategies using the ecological, social, and economic importance of urban tree planting in addressing climate challenges.