{"id":13665,"date":"2020-03-18T15:59:40","date_gmt":"2020-03-18T15:59:40","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/www.purdue.edu\/fnr\/extension\/?p=13665"},"modified":"2025-02-15T02:39:52","modified_gmt":"2025-02-15T06:39:52","slug":"we-need-trees-and-heres-why","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/www.purdue.edu\/fnr\/extension\/we-need-trees-and-heres-why\/","title":{"rendered":"We need trees and here\u2019s why\u2026"},"content":{"rendered":"

Purdue Landscape Report<\/a>: Yes, we need trees and here\u2019s why\u2026<\/p>\n

Trees have presented as more than just a pretty face as research has indicated that trees are even more valuable for their function as much as their form. Currently, more than 50 percent of the world\u2019s population now lives in towns and cities. In the Hoosier state, the last census indicated that 72% of our population lives in an urban area and this statistic is increasing annually.<\/p>\n

\"benefits<\/a>

Properly planted trees improve living conditions in downtown and suburban areas. Sources<\/a><\/p><\/div>\n

For the most part, the rapid expansion of cities takes place with little consideration to land use planning strategy. The resulting human pressure has highly damaging effects on our urban trees and green spaces. The environmental impacts of climate change are intensified by urbanization such as increased pollution, increased temperatures, and larger demands on infrastructure such as stormwater systems.<\/p>\n

Urban trees can help to mitigate some of the negative impacts and social consequences of urban sprawl and make cities more resilient to these changes. These important functions are called ecosystem services. This is the way urban foresters measure the benefits that trees provide other than just their beauty. Ecosystems services are the many benefits that trees and plants provide to the community. They improve our quality of life by providing food, cleaner air and water, regulating temperatures, supporting pollination and providing recreational, health and spiritual benefits.<\/p>\n

\"trees<\/a>

People will stay longer and enjoy urban economy more with tree-lined streets. Sources<\/a><\/p><\/div>\n

\"trees<\/a>

Trees are proven to reduce length of hospital stays and improve birth outcomes. Sources<\/a><\/p><\/div>\n

\"trees<\/a>

Recreational areas are critical to community well-being.\u00a0Sources<\/a><\/p><\/div>\n

Here\u00a0are some easy ways in which urban trees and woodlots contribute to making cities more environmentally sustainable and livable:<\/p>\n