5 Reasons We Need Trees in Our Public Spaces

When it comes to planning urban spaces, it's crucial that green space and trees are considered. Not only do trees look nice, but they serve some important functions within urban spaces as well. According to the U.S. Forest Service, every dollar spent on planting and caring for public trees can yield benefits for up to five times that value. Let's look at some of these benefits.

1. Water Management

One vital benefit is water management. Within an urban environment, most of the areas are impermeable to water. Hardscaping of this type using concrete, glass, stone, steel, and asphalt will create problems with groundwater replenishment. This, in turn, creates runoff problems in the area. The hardscaping needs to be balanced out with green space and trees to keep areas sustainable and water managed correctly. Professional tree services can help.

2. Traffic Calming

Few people realize that trees can help calm drivers and traffic. When trees are present along the roadways, it's proven to slow down driving speeds considerably, according to Trees for Cities. Experts have also found that trees planted along medians are proven to reduce head-on crashes as well. Additionally, recent studies show that roadside vegetation can help to reduce driver frustration.

3. Physical Health

Not only do trees have a dramatic effect on the physical area in which they are planted, but they can also have a huge effect on the physical health of those in the area. Trees purify the air making it better for those who are active in that area, per the U.S. Forest Service. In addition to this, trees also inspire people to be out in an area more often and to be active there. This helps to contribute to better overall health. When trees and green spaces are thoughtfully designed to be active spaces, it can drastically improve the community's health.

4. Mental Health

It's now understood that a tree canopy creates generally lower rates of psychological distress in humans. When people live around trees they are less likely to be depressed, as found by Yale Climate Connections. This has to do with maintaining a connection to nature.

5. Economic Implications

When spaces are packed with attractive trees, they attract more pedestrians and cyclists. These individuals are likely to spend more at local businesses as they are physically spending more time in these spaces. Local tree services therefore have a direct positive impact on the economy.

These are just a few reasons why it's important for trees to be planted. If you're interested in learning more about tree services, or if you're in need of tree services, please contact Tree APE Service today for professional tree services.