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It is no secret that the environmental condition of cities is only getting worse. Cities are becoming hotter due to the urban heat island effect, they are becoming more polluted by greenhouse gases and fine dusts and they are becoming more susceptible to extreme climate events such as flooding. But how can we tackle these complex issues? The answer is simpler than you might think…it’s planting trees! The benefits of having trees within cities are endless, and this article will try and take you through some of the key advantages.
Here are some of the main reasons why trees are so important in our cities:
Having trees in urban spaces cools down cities. Studies suggest that within cities temperatures can be anywhere between 1-10°c higher than rural areas, this temperature difference is often referred to as the urban heat island effect. It occurs due to the presence of many insulated buildings, skyscrapers, car parks and city structures that trap heat and contain it within urban areas. Cities are also more densely populated, meaning people are constantly releasing greenhouse gases from their cars and homes. Trees cool our cities through evapotranspiration, simply put trees release water vapour from their leaves which has a net cooling effect in the atmosphere, lowering urban temperatures. They also provide shade over buildings and the ground which stops these surfaces from absorbing more heat.
Trees protect city biodiversity, which is already so limited. Trees offer vital habitat and food for birds, squirrels, bats, badgers and insects which increases the biodiversity and ecosystem productivity. Trees also encourage other flowers and plants to grow by improving the soil quality, some key plants that can grow in urban spaces include fungi and mosses.
Trees reduce air pollution and improve air quality. Studies suggest that for every 10% increase in urban tree cover ozone is reduced by 3-7%. Ozone is a harmful chemical to humans so its removal rapidly increases air quality. Trees also remove carbon dioxide from the air in photosynthesis, they then store the carbon as cellulose and glucose in their trunks, branches and leaves. This is a direct removal of carbon dioxide from the atmosphere and helps to offset both warming and pollution effects. Research has also found that on streets lined with trees the particulates released from car exhaust fumes can be removed, a study found that 60% of these particulates were removed when there was a dense row of trees.
Trees improve mental health and increase property value. Trees help to reduce air pollution and are visually appealing which drives up property value within cities. They also offer clean fresh air and a calmness within busy city environments. They offer people the chance to be in touch with nature which helps to boost mental health.
Here are some of the main reasons why trees are so important in our cities:
- They remove carbon dioxide.
- They have a cooling effect.
- They improve biodiversity.
- They improve mental health.
- They protect cities against flooding.
Having trees in urban spaces cools down cities. Studies suggest that within cities temperatures can be anywhere between 1-10°c higher than rural areas, this temperature difference is often referred to as the urban heat island effect. It occurs due to the presence of many insulated buildings, skyscrapers, car parks and city structures that trap heat and contain it within urban areas. Cities are also more densely populated, meaning people are constantly releasing greenhouse gases from their cars and homes. Trees cool our cities through evapotranspiration, simply put trees release water vapour from their leaves which has a net cooling effect in the atmosphere, lowering urban temperatures. They also provide shade over buildings and the ground which stops these surfaces from absorbing more heat.
Trees protect city biodiversity, which is already so limited. Trees offer vital habitat and food for birds, squirrels, bats, badgers and insects which increases the biodiversity and ecosystem productivity. Trees also encourage other flowers and plants to grow by improving the soil quality, some key plants that can grow in urban spaces include fungi and mosses.
Trees reduce air pollution and improve air quality. Studies suggest that for every 10% increase in urban tree cover ozone is reduced by 3-7%. Ozone is a harmful chemical to humans so its removal rapidly increases air quality. Trees also remove carbon dioxide from the air in photosynthesis, they then store the carbon as cellulose and glucose in their trunks, branches and leaves. This is a direct removal of carbon dioxide from the atmosphere and helps to offset both warming and pollution effects. Research has also found that on streets lined with trees the particulates released from car exhaust fumes can be removed, a study found that 60% of these particulates were removed when there was a dense row of trees.
Trees improve mental health and increase property value. Trees help to reduce air pollution and are visually appealing which drives up property value within cities. They also offer clean fresh air and a calmness within busy city environments. They offer people the chance to be in touch with nature which helps to boost mental health.
It is clear from the above examples just how important trees are in cities. For more information on this topic check out this related article on our website: Features - How trees are cooling our cities (becomecarbonnegative.com). Want to be part of the solution? Join us, at Become Carbon Negative, where we pledge to give 100% of our profits to planting trees, offsetting your carbon input.
