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1. Streetscape enhancements The streetscape enhancement tenet is included in the SCCP application because Scenic Texas believes in promoting infrastructure for conservation, pedestrians, and beautification. The streetscape enhancements requirements include both landscaping and sidewalk standards. Landscaping along major roadways, city streets, street medians or in parking lots are required elements of the SCCP application. Communicating the importance of urban greenery is complicated despite supporting literature. Trees and other plant infrastructure can fall second to other highly prioritizes initiatives such as funding for hospitals.3 The most traditional argument in favor of urban forestry is the desire to bring “natural aesthetic into a predominantly artificial urban form”.2 The benefits of street trees and landscaping are wider ranged than traditional arguments include. There are economic, environmental, and social benefits to urban forestry.4 The economic benefits of landscaping along roads, streets, and in parking lots range. Research shows that residents and visitors are much more likely to spend time on shaded and walkable sidewalk streets. Tree shade can also help to reduce fees associated with pavement cracking and rutting from sun exposure.5 A city should be strategic in the place’s street trees are prioritized and the types of trees that are installed. With a well-researched plan, street trees are proven to be cost effective. Street trees should be on heavy pedestrian trafficked streets. It is best to plant native trees that are suited for the area.2
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Andy J. Moffat (2016) Communicating the benefits of urban trees: A critical review, Arboricultural Journal, 38:2, 64-82, DOI: 10.1080/03071375.2016.1163111 4 Roman (2020) Beyond ‘trees are good’: Disservices, management costs, and tradeoffs in urban forestry 5 Anastasia Loukaitou-Sideris (2010) Vibrant Sidewalks in the United States: Re-Integrating Walking and a Quintessential Social Realm, ACCESS Magazine, page 29
