Why plant street trees?
From KeyToNature
Why do we take the time and trouble to plant and maintain trees in our crowded streets?
Benefits
Street trees provide social, economic and environmental benefits, including:
- shade in places where people gather to meet and relax
- a safety zone between traffic and people (vehicle speeds are also lower in tree-lined streets)
- help to reduce air pollutants, both gases and particles
- help to regulate rainwater run-off, reducing the risk of local flooding
- help to cool run-off water, which otherwise can become quite warm, damaging river systems as it drains away
- help to reduce the effects of wind
- it is claimed that tree-lined streets increase the value of houses have even that they encourage people to spend more time shopping
Drawbacks
Street trees are not entirely trouble free. Problems include:
- cracking of pavements and roads as the trunk and roots grow
- slippery and dangerous surfaces when leaves, flowers or fruits fall
- leaves and other debris may clog drains
- harmful or poisonous species are generally avoided but do sometimes occur.
The roots of this Beech tree are protruding through the pavement, causing cracks and a hazard for passers-by.
Yew trees are very poisonous. Those found near roads often pre-date the building of the road.
Overall, trees are a positive and important part of our urban landscape.
