Tree Tips

Why Does a City Need Trees?


The most common answers to this question continue to revolve around aesthetics. The beauty of trees has broad appeal and is certainly an important benefit. In urban areas, healthy trees can transform the hard lines and dull surfaces of most any man-made structure. This alone has been shown to increase traffic in retail shopping districts and increase residential property value. Beyond aesthetics, trees function as integral parts of a city's infrastructure.  By buffering summer heat and winter cold, healthy trees can save homeowners, business owners and entire cities big money in energy costs. Trees also serve as natural air filters, cleaning the air we breathe by absorbing pollutants and releasing oxygen. Through the absorption of stormwater, trees serve as soil stabilizers, reducing and often times eliminating soil erosion.  Trees also serve as water filters, absorbing pollutants from stormwater before they reach natural waterways. This natural means of water absorption and filtration directly assists stormwater drainage systems.


Perhaps an under-publicized benefit of trees is that they can reduce crime. Research shows that the beauty of trees and natural areas can have a calming effect on people and positively affect behavior.  Research also shows that trees aid in healing.  Hospital patients with views of trees and natural areas had reduced, post-op recovery times as well as hospital stays.   


Given these and the many other benefits of trees, it's important to protect, preserve and plant them for future generations!


Tree Tips Archives

Years ago, via the 'Hoover News' newsletter, Hoover's Landscape Architecture & Urban Forestry Division had the privilege of writing short, educational articles for our residents and businesses. These articles were a fun way for us to illustrate proper tree care techniques and promote the benefits of healthy trees. Due to the positive feedback we received about our "Tree Tips", we decided to archive the articles online. To view the Tree Tips, CLICK HERE.


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