Thankful for trees in cities.

We work in urban forestry to help cities utiltize natural systems to create a healthier, vibrant place for their community to live.  Freeing citizens up from city-living stresses means they are free to go do the work in the world they were meant to do!  

Trees alleviate so many urban challenges by the services they provide.  Thanks to these benefits, more and more, trees are considered critical city infrastructure, and because they increase in value over time, they provide a return on investment.

Here are 12 Reasons Trees are Essential for Healthy Communities

• Removing pollution from the air
• Reducing pollution in the water
• Improving public health
• Contributing to more successful business districts
• Alleviating heat stress
• Building a stronger community
• Creating safer, more walkable streets
• Reducing noise pollution 
• Reducing crime 
• Saving energy 
• Increasing property values
• Inspiring higher test scores

Are you surprised by #12? It’s true. Research has shown that the more tree cover surrounding a school, the better the test scores. A study of 450 middle schools and nearly 50,000 students in urban, suburban, and rural communities in Washington State was conducted by M. Kuo, associate professor in the Department of Natural Resources and Environmental Sciences at the University of Illinois. Kuo concluded that trees increase exposure to nature, helping to increase concentration and engagement, while also leading to less disruptive behavior. 

Since the urban forest is on both public and private land, cities should actively educate and engage citizens, businesses, and institutions in the value of the collective urban forest. “When everyone works together for positive outcomes, everyone wins,” says Urban Canopy Works co-owner Jenny Gulick. “I chose a career in Urban Forestry because I wanted to bring my passion for trees and forests to city and suburban dwellers. I’m most proud of the tens of thousands of trees I’ve planted. I can now go back to some of the first ones and see them arching over streets and front yards, totally transforming the neighborhoods.”

This Thanksgiving, we invite you to join Urban Canopy Works in expressing gratitude for urban trees. Take a deep breath, take a walk on a tree-lined sidewalk or park, and take the opportunity to share the joy with family and friends. 

Learn more about the benefits of trees and why they’re essential for building healthy communities. 

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