Few Trees
Rain refreshes the land and nourishes the green landscape. But as houses, stores, schools, roads and parking lots spread and natural tree cover is lost, so is the absorbing effect of vegetation and soil. The welcome rain becomes costly stormwater runoff. Without the benefit of trees and vegetated infrastructure, waterways are polluted as oils, heavy metal particles and other harmful substances are washed away. Fish and wildlife suffer, drinking water becomes expensive or impossible to reclaim, property values are reduced, and our living environment is degraded.
The Impact of Treeless Communities
Treeless parking lots
These parking lots are unsightly, add to stormwater runoff and are a source of heat that is not only uncomfortable but increases air pollution.
Treeless streets
Streets without trees deprive the community of social benefits and ecological services. Following storms, water rushes along the street sides.
Asphalt playgrounds
Playgrounds with asphalt are unnatural places for children to play, contributing to a disconnect with nature. The solid surface also prevents rain from slowly re-charging groundwater, instead adding extra volume to runoff.
Treeless homes and yards
Yards without trees reduce property values, increase energy costs and allow rainfall to rush into gutters.
Erosion-prone rivers
Erosion-prone rivers eat away at adjoining property, destroy fish habitat and fill in reservoirs and waterways with silt.
Compacted lawns
Lawns without trees are not only less appealing, they often can’t soak up heavy rains fast enough. Excessive runoff flows across sidewalks and down driveways and streets.
Overwhelmed sewage systems
These can lead to untreated sewage being swept into waterways. Upgrades are expensive, adding to local tax burdens.
Abundant Trees
Trees play a vital role in stormwater retention by holding large amounts of water in their leaves and bark, allowing for evaporation and gradual release into the ground. They intercept rain, with some water evaporating and some seeping into the soil, while fallen leaves create a spongy layer that retains moisture and supports decomposition, reducing runoff and pollutants. Roots stabilize the soil and absorb water, contributing to groundwater recharge for over half the nation’s drinking supply.
A single tree can store over 100 gallons of water, and in communities, this can lead to a 2-7% reduction in annual runoff, resulting in cost savings on drainage systems. Studies show that combining trees with natural landscaping can reduce storm runoff by up to 65%, with some areas retaining 100% of rainfall on-site.
Sustainable Stormwater Solutions
Well-landscaped parking lots
Parking lots can be designed to slow storm runoff and beautify the community. They cool parked cars, reducing evaporated gasoline that contributes to air-polluting ozone. Tree shade also adds longevity to paved surfaces.
Tree-lined streets
Streets retain large volumes of rainfall, reducing and cleansing runoff. They also increase property values, encourage shopping and business, reduce air pollution, calm traffic and lower noise levels.
Nature explore classrooms
Classrooms at schools can be combined with nearby community gardens and natural areas to serve as neighborhood parks. Their unpaved surfaces increase rainwater retention as they provide nature-rich play and learning spaces for children.
Shaded homes and tree-filled yards
Trees make urban life more pleasant and provide practical benefits such as lower heating and air conditioning costs and increased re-sale values. The tree canopy is also a major contributor to stormwater runoff reduction.
Riparian buffers
Riparian buffers consisting of trees and shrubs along waterways slow flood waters, reduce erosion, cool the water for fish, and filter harmful runoff from adjoining land.
Rain gardens
Rain gardens hold water onsite, reducing wasteful runoff and providing moisture for tree roots and flower beds. They also filter chemicals draining from walks, driveways and streets.
Manageable stormwater runoff
This results from abundant trees, multi-use catch basins and rain gardens, reduced impervious surfaces, and increased ground vegetation. The benefits are lower costs and a more livable, sustainable environment.
Live in a Tree City USA?
Tree City USA recognizes communities of all sizes across the country that demonstrate lasting commitment to the health of their trees.
