Urbanization has also played a role, though to a lesser extent compared to forestry and wildfires. The data indicates that urban expansion has been responsible for an average of around 5% of the annual tree cover loss.
Overall, the United States has experienced a net loss in tree cover, with the total area of stable tree cover decreasing by 1.23% over the analyzed period. This net change includes a loss of approximately 17.47 million hectares and a gain of around 13.99 million hectares, indicating a disturbing trend that has led to a net loss of over 3.48 million hectares.
The disturbances to tree cover, which include temporary changes such as those caused by selective logging or temporary clearing, have amounted to over 28.36 million hectares, further illustrating the scale of the impact on the country's tree cover.
As the United States continues to face these environmental challenges, the data underscores the importance of monitoring and addressing the factors contributing to tree cover loss, particularly in the face of increasing wildfire incidents and the pressures of urban development.
