Lathrup Village is creating a new tree garden as part of a larger effort to keep its mature trees healthy, add more green spaces, and teach residents about how important trees are to the community.

The project is taking place on a triangular piece of public green space that once hosted the city’s first Arbor Day tree planting after the tree committee was formed.

Brandon Wynn, a resident of Lathrup Village is a certified tree expert and chair of the tree committee. He explained that the long-term plan includes planting different types of trees, putting up signs to educate people, and eventually adding benches and space for community activities.

The city is mainly focusing on planting trees native to Michigan, like white oak, swamp white oak, black gum, and American hornbeam.

They are also thinking about including some non-native trees that can handle changing weather patterns and road salt.

Some trees like ginkgo, dawn redwood, river birch, and a donated tulip tree have already been planted there.

Bahm says the community will consider adding a pavilion or pergola, flower beds, shrubs, and evergreen trees. The committee is funding these efforts through grants, donations, and partnerships with the community to gradually develop the arboretum.

Jill Bahm, a planning expert working with Giffels Webster and serving as Lathrup Village’s planning consultant, explained that trees and other green spaces can help manage stormwater, reduce runoff and erosion, and improve air and water quality.

She says that by including the tree committee’s work in the city’s updated master and recreation plans, they can ensure this project fits into Lathrup Village and support future projects and grants.

This story is a part of WDET’s ongoing series, the Detroit Tree Canopy Project.

Metro Detroit’s infrastructure is old. Many of the homes people live in, the streets they drive on, and the drainage systems they use were constructed many decades ago. And most of that infrastructure is considered gray — it’s made of concrete, steel, and asphalt. 

That material is sturdy. But it’s less helpful for navigating extreme weather, especially flooding. The good news is that across metro Detroit, green infrastructure projects are cropping up. 

What do those look like? Why do they matter? And, how can more residents create green infrastructure projects to prevent flooding, and beautify their communities? 

Jim Nash is the Oakland County Water Resources Commissioner. He spoke with host Robyn Vincent.

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