Why we should Care about the Urban Forest

Gary Tellefson

 

            Growing up I’ve always had a passion for trees. They were fun to climb and I was always interested in the different varieties. What I didn’t know were the benefits that trees can come with. Trees in urban settings create benefits that many people don’t realize. Two of the major benefits are the economic and environmental impacts these forests have on our communities. Once I started learning more about urban forestry, I got even more interested in the benefits they have in our communities. So I’ll go over only some of the many benefits these forests have that I have learned.

            Having vegetation in urban settings is a large contributor to helping economies. Places with more trees and shrubs in urban settings see better business than somewhere without. People come more often, spend more money, stay longer, and are more likely to come back if there is green infrastructure around. Businesses that have trees outside their location, or that are along a tree lined street see more customers and lower crime rates. It makes scene that someone would be more attracted to a business that has trees and plants outside then a business with just sidewalk. The costumer feels more welcome and comfortable in that situation and is more likely to give you their business. Trees and shrubs on private properties increase property values and make them more aesthetically pleasing to view as well.  

            The largest benefits they bring are for the environment. They take in toxic carbon dioxide and release oxygen as a byproduct of photosynthesis. They can reduce air pollution by filtering out greenhouse gases and other particles that contribute to smog and other types of air pollutants. Green infrastructure can reduce energy costs in more than one way. Trees shading parking lots can reduce gas emissions from parked vehicles, and create shade cooling effects on houses. Trees also play a very large role in water runoff and filtering. In urban settings impervious surfaces create many issues with drainage and pooling on streets and private property. Having vegetative surfaces create excellent drainage and filtering system for storm water. Trees intake large amounts of water through their roots and canopy, slowing the movement of water, and helping prevent sewage system overflows. On average, one tree can take up around 1000 gallons of water a year. With storm water treatment costs being between two to four cents a gallon, one tree can theoretically save around 20 dollars a year. Adding up all the trees in a community can create quite an impact on water treatment costs on a yearly basis. All vegetative plants in urban settings can prevent soil erosion problems. Their roots hold soil together and keep it in tact instead of getting swept away with the water.

           

 

I have only covered two of the major categories of benefits that urban forests provide. I didn’t get into the physiological and cultural benefits these forests have. I would argue that urban forests are more important now for us to understand than ever, and I encourage everyone to learn a little more about urban forests and see how they can benefit you. Once again if we can learn to use these forests, protect them, and keep them healthy, we can become more sustainable and absorb these benefits in our communities.

            References

"Benefits of Trees & the Urban Forest." Sustainable Cities Institute:. N.p., n.d. Web. 16 Sept. 2012

Richard Hauer, Ph.D. Urban Forestry, University of Wisconsin Stevens Point