A Methodology to Identify and Prioritize Tree Planting Locations in Urban Areas according to the 3-30-300 rule

This study presents a GIS-based methodology designed to assist local governments in Limburg, Belgium, in identifying and prioritizing suitable locations for new trees in urban areas, addressing challenges in meeting climate adaptation goals. The methodology builds on the principles of the 3-30-300 rule, which emphasizes the importance of urban greenery for climate resilience and improved living environments. The method involves extensive preprocessing of geospatial data to delineate plantable areas within public spaces and government-owned parcels. Using a combination of spatial analysis and automation, it identifies zones free from physical and legal constraints where trees can be planted. The process incorporates advanced algorithms to account for existing land cover, height-based object obstructions, and current tree canopy coverage. These steps enable local authorities to systematically evaluate plantable areas while reducing manual efforts. Building on this foundational analysis, an additional scoring system evaluates potential tree planting sites based on their contribution to the "3-rule" of the 3-30-300 framework, focusing on enhancing tree proximity for buildings within a 25-meter radius. Furthermore, an ongoing refinement of the methodology aims to integrate a scoring system for the "30-rule," assessing the available tree canopy cover within a 500-meter radius of residential areas. This ensures a more comprehensive approach to urban greening, prioritizing locations where tree planting can have the greatest impact on shading, cooling, and biodiversity. This approach addresses the increasing need for practical tools to optimize urban greening efforts and supports local governments in overcoming challenges related to spatial constraints and resource allocation. The automated and replicable nature of the methodology ensures scalability across municipalities, providing a robust decision-support tool for climate adaptation and sustainable urban planning.