As of 2016, some 9,000 trees have been inventoried along Lancaster’s streets and within its parks (other areas like backyards are excluded).
In an earlier study, a total of 77 different species were identified, with Red Maples (Acer rubrum) and Norway Maples (Acer platanoides) being overabundant at 20% and 7% of the total respectively (see Lancaster City Tree Inventory: Summary Report, by Brian Wolyniak and Bill Elmendorf, 2011). Since then, planting these two species has been limited in order to increase the diversity and health of this urban forest.
Other conclusions of the 2011 report: (1) Despite the above maple issue, the city still has “good overall diversity of species”; (2) the overall age and size distribution of trees is indicative of patterns typically seen in healthy urban forests; (3) a large majority of the city’s trees (74%) are in excellent or good condition; and (4) Lancaster’s southeastern section is understocked with trees.
[Trees below: Blue Atlas Cedar; Flowering Dogwood; Bald Cypress; American Smoketree; Sugar Maple.]
