Shade Crusade: Why City Trees Are Good Medicine

The largest cities in the US have lost more than 25 percent of their tree canopies since 1972. Even as concern about climate change mounts and consumers pursue products that are environmentally friendly, cities remove trees of all sizes, including ones that are more than 100 years old, for new construction and easy maintenance. Reducing storm run-off, removing pollutants from the air and reducing summer temperatures are just a few benefits of city trees. But research from environmental psychologists also shows city trees offer a calming influence, along with improved attitudes and better general health, reports Sandra Hines in Columns, University of Washington’s alumni magazine. And if those are not enough benefits, consider that real estate with trees is substantially more valuable than bare land. But with increasing populations and cost-cutting construction, saving city trees is not easy, Hines notes. The article urges inventories of older and rare trees, management plans, routine tree care and better enforcement of laws aimed at protecting trees. – YaleGlobal