Why Plant Urban Trees?
TREES NATURALLY COOL CITY TEMPERATURES
Cities experience hotter temperatures than surrounding rural areas. In the face of global climate change, urban communities are experiencing even more intense heat waves, which disproportionately affect low-income residents. Increasing the canopy coverage of paved surfaces helps cool city neighborhoods while also reducing home energy consumption.
TREES PROVIDE ACCESSIBLE COMMUNITY GREEN SPACES
Trees are not evenly distributed to all communities. Increasing the tree canopy in under-resourced neighborhoods ensures that everyone has equitable access to the critical ecosystem services and recreational opportunities that trees provide.
TREES FILTER OUR AIR AND WATER TO IMPROVE OUR HEALTH
Trees absorb carbon dioxide and filter many of the pollutants that are found in our air and water. They play a critical role in improving air quality and, consequently, human health.Â