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during the initial canvassing, in order to use the volunteer's time more <br /> effectively.) <br /> Most streets in our community have a publicly -owned planting strip, properly <br /> called a treelawn, between the curb and the sidewalk. Along streets with <br /> curbside sidewalks, though, it is possible to plant trees behind the sidewalk, <br /> as the public right -of -way generally extends a foot or two beyond the side- <br /> walk. And on streets with neither sidewalks nor curbs, it is still possible <br /> to plant trees on the publicly -owned portion in front of a dwelling or <br /> business. <br /> Factors to take into consideration and to note are (Appendix J): <br /> 1. Width of the treelawn (where treelawns are four feet or less in <br /> width, only trees of small to medium stature should be planted) <br /> 2. Presence of above - ground fixtures such as fire hydrants, drive- <br /> ways, street lamps, storm sewer inlets, water meters, etc. (trees <br /> should generally be planted no closer than 5 -10 feet to these <br /> fixtures) <br /> 3. Presence of primary electrical distribution lines, the ones that <br /> usually have three parallel wires carried on a single crossbar <br /> (only trees whose mature canopies do not exceed 25 -30 feet should <br /> be planted here) <br /> 4. Distance from closest street corner (in most cases, trees can be <br /> planted no closer than 35 feet from the true corner, where the two <br /> perpendicular curb lines would intersect) <br /> After possible sites for individual trees have been identified, a new Project <br /> Leader may wish to mark each site with a chalk "X" six inches across on the <br /> side of the sidewalk nearest the proposed new tree. The City's NeighborWoods <br /> Coordinator can then spot -check the X's to ensure that the proposed planting <br /> sites conform with City standards and codes. <br /> DECIDING ON NUMBER AND SIZE OF TREES <br /> Trees in urban areas act as giant, low -cost air - conditioners, cooling and <br /> cleaning city air. The bigger the tree, the more benefits our community <br /> derives from it. Neighbors are therefore encouraged to plant species in the <br /> right -of -way which will eventually provide the largest canopy possible (both <br /> in width and in height) on a given site. The planting of trees with smaller <br /> canopies (e.g., columnar trees and many of the ornamental cherries, flowering <br /> plums, and dogwoods) is generally discouraged, unless overhead wires limit <br /> tree height. <br /> By shading road surfaces and sidewalks, streetside trees are especially effec- <br /> tive at reducing the well -known urban heat island effect. As urban areas have <br /> become more paved over and built -up, and existing vegetation has been removed, <br /> temperatures have increased 2 to 9 degrees. As a result, energy needs for <br /> both summer cooling have increased, as has the amount of carbon dioxide <br /> 3 <br />