Marco Island looking to add more trees to its landscape

A city in Southwest Florida is looking to change the color of its landscape. Marco Island has fewer trees than many other parts of the country, but the city is trying to change that.

The city’s objective is to add 10,000 trees within the next 10 years. But, for now, the project is still in the planning stages.

Some neighborhoods have next to no trees. Take Fairlawn Court, it’s lined with palm trees, but Chesnut Court is treeless.

The City of Marco Island, specifically the Beautification Advisory Committee, is looking to change that. That’s why their goal is to plant 10,000 trees in the next 10 years.

David Leaser is a member of Marco Island’s Beautification Advisory Committee. “I think this is a great opportunity to leave a legacy for the resident and the future generations on the island,” Leaser said. 

Becky Irwin is a member of Marco Island City Council. “We can do a lot, and we can really bring a lot of diversity to the island,” said Irwin.

Data has shown that Marco Island’s tree density sits at only 10%. The nationwide average tree density for cities is closer to 27%.

So Marco Island leaders are hoping this project can improve the city’s green infrastructure and environment. “It also provides major benefit to the environment, reducing C02..and also the runoff and that’s a big issue for Marco Island. People are concerned about the runoff into the canals,” said Leaser.

The trees are also said to help with safety. They create a barrier for pedestrians.

Leaser says the Beautification Advisory Committee plans to work with experts from universities and neighboring communities and Marco Island residents to make many of the decisions. This could range from tree location to what species to get. Each tree could end up serving a different purpose in each place.

“I think it’s going to be the right tree for the right place,” Leaser said.

“I would love to see the urban forest here with beautiful shade.. and places where people can really relax,” Irwin said. 

Once the committee wraps up its research and hears from neighbors, it will present its master plan to the City Council later this year.