A Dalhousie University group is producing an analysis of the state of Halifax’s urban forest, focusing on trees in particular.
The $43,036 project is the second study of its kind for the Halifax Regional Municipality. The last study was done in 2007.
Duinker said the data being collected can determine the amount of energy savings trees provide.
For instance, tree shadows help cool homes, subsequently reducing air conditioning costs.
The data can also be used to calculate ecosystem services.
“For example, the amount of carbon that gets sequestered in these young trees over time,” Duinker explained.
The team is gathering the data by examining more than 200 randomly selected plots of land (public and private) about 23 metres in diameter each.
The data is scheduled to be released in October.