Using Trees to Manage Stormwater

This two-hour course explores the strategies and techniques design professionals can use to manage stormwater with trees.

The course will begin with an explanation of the causes and harms of stormwater runoff, how infiltration and retention are used as solutions, and the roles of trees in reducing runoff.

The course will then discuss using urban forests for stormwater management, tree selection and placement, and design failures. Lastly, the course will identify and explain advanced techniques related to green stormwater management.

This course covers the following key topics:

• The Hydrologic Role of Trees: Understanding canopy interception, throughfall, stem flow, and evapotranspiration as mechanisms for water management.
• Forest vs. Urban Forest: Analyzing the differences in soil porosity, infiltration rates, and root development between natural and constructed environments.
• Soil Science and Compaction: Examining how construction activities destroy soil structure and how bulk density affects root growth and water storage.
• Root Biology and Protection: Debunking the myth of the taproot and learning how to protect the critical root zone during construction projects.
• Engineering Solutions: Exploring technologies such as suspended pavement, structural soil cells, and properly designed tree trenches to maximize soil volume.
• Quantifying Benefits: Reviewing case studies and research that demonstrate the economic and environmental ROI of mature tree canopies.
• Best Management Practices: Implementing ANSI standards for planting and maintenance to ensure trees reach maturity and provide maximum utility.

This content is essential for civil engineers, landscape architects, urban planners, and municipal officials looking to implement sustainable, cost-effective stormwater strategies. By prioritizing soil volume and understanding tree biology, professionals can design infrastructure that supports mature tree growth, reduces runoff, and creates resilient urban ecosystems.