WARREN — Shovels hit the ground as volunteers began planting new greenery across Warren — part of an initiative to revitalize the city’s urban canopy.

Led by Lydia Lynch, health and wellness coordinator for Trumbull Neighborhood Partnership and the Mahoning Valley Tree Corps, the goal is to plant 5,500 trees across Warren and Youngstown over the next five years, with Warren set to receive 1,215 of those noninvasive, native species trees.

The group was at two locations Friday morning and afternoon planting trees at the intersection of Atlantic Street NE and Vine Avenue NE.

With each tree firmly rooted in the ground, Lynch and her team are bringing both environmental and aesthetic improvements to the city.

“This is part of a $5 million USDA grant to help restore tree coverage in neighborhoods with low canopy coverage,” Lynch said. “We’re focusing on areas that could benefit the most from these enhancements, which in turn can help boost home values.”

The project’s first major planting effort kicked off this fall with 96 trees scheduled for Warren. Planting will continue every spring and fall for the duration of the grant, with resident approval being key to determining the planting locations.

“We always get resident approval first. These trees are being planted in public spaces and tree lawns, so it’s important that the community is on board and involved,” Lynch said.

Safety is a top priority in the planning process.

“We go through the process of making sure it’s safe to dig first. If the power lines are too low or the space is too narrow, we won’t plant there to avoid future problems,” Lynch said, ensuring the longevity and sustainability of the trees being planted.

The trees, which range from 8 to 10 feet tall, include non-invasive, native species chosen to beautify the neighborhood and assist with stormwater management. Larger trees are being planted in open spaces, while smaller ones are placed in tree lawns or front yards.

The initiative has garnered support from Warren City Council members, including Andrew Herman, D-2nd Ward, who donated $10,000 of his American Rescue Plan funds to the project. Herman spoke about the importance of Warren’s urban greening initiative, which aims not only to enhance the city’s appearance but also provide environmental benefits like reducing urban heat and improving air quality.

Herman explained the efficiency of trees over grass in terms of water consumption, making them a more sustainable option for urban landscaping, especially in areas facing water management challenges. The initiative also considers concerns about invasive species, with plans for carefully selecting native trees to prevent ecological issues.

“These trees are going to be well taken care of, and over the next five years, they’ll help improve stormwater management by absorbing water from the ground, which is great for residents,” Lynch said.

The project is designed with a five-year growth period, during which the trees will mature. After this phase, the city will take over responsibility for their maintenance. While funding details are still being finalized, Herman said the city will eventually bear the ongoing costs, ensuring the long-term health and care of the trees.

“We have the resources in place to see this through the first five years,” he said.

While the Tree Corps project focuses on planting new trees, Lynch acknowledged that the city also needs to address dead and hazardous trees.

“This grant doesn’t cover much of the removal work, but we’re working to secure additional funding to handle that,” she said.

The project has generated enthusiasm among Warren residents, with many community members inquiring about getting trees planted in their own yards as Lynch and her team canvassed the neighborhoods.

This ongoing effort is part of a broader initiative by the Warren City Arbor Commission to maintain and enhance the urban forest. Regular pruning and upkeep are scheduled for the first five years to ensure the trees thrive and rejuvenate the community for years to come.