The Street Tree Evaluation Project (STEP) examined 53 tree species in five Ohio cities to see how they performed over several decades. A study of the overall arbor health was made in 1971, and again in 1997. “Before and after” photos were collected of the same trees on the same streets. Another update is planned for 2007
The study not only helps foresters select the most useful trees for varying conditions, but also shows how trees, over time, affect street character.