Effects of urban trees

Passage

Urban trees do far more than beautify a street. Their canopies provide shade that can lower local temperatures by several degrees, reducing the energy households spend on cooling. Roots and soil beneath them absorb stormwater, easing pressure on drainage systems during heavy rain. Leaves trap airborne particles, modestly improving air quality. However, the benefits are not automatic: poorly chosen species can damage pavements, and trees planted without ongoing maintenance often die within a few years, wasting the initial investment.