Shading our cities: A resource guide for urban and community forests
The importance of trees and forests in the urban environment is stressed in this book by a number of concerned professional foresters and community activists. Cities are losing trees at an appalling rate, and the replacement rate of one tree for every four lost is an indication of neglect by city fathers. Also,the life span of urban trees is decreasing. Trees contribute in many ways to urban ecosystems. It is estimated that a 50-year old tree over its lifetimes contributes in excess of $50,000 worth of air conditioning, wildlife shelter, and air-pollution control. In a study of 12 cities leaf and stem surfaces covered an area four times larger than the area covered by buildings, roads, sidewalks, and other human-constructed surfaces. This living surface pumps water, exchanges gases, and modifies air flow, suspended particulates, and heat. The retention of surface water and the ensuing benefits are noted. In another study it was estimated that in Los Angeles the loss of tree shade has contributed to the 20-to-30-percent increase of smog episodes. In a 1980 survey only one out of six cities had an existing urban forestry management in place. A few cities have excellent preventative management programs. It was found that preventative maintenance costs very little and yield appreciable benefits. The American Forestry Association estimates that 60 million trees could be planted along urban streets, another 150 million trees in city parks, and 100 million trees in available sites around buildings. In some urban areas commitment by dedicated tree advocates has resulted in the planting of trees. President Bush, through his America the Beautiful campaign, included a $200 million per year program to plant one billion trees per year mostly in rural areas.
- OSTI ID:
- 5887387
- Country of Publication:
- United States
- Language:
- English
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AIR POLLUTION
COST BENEFIT ANALYSIS
DEFORESTATION
ECOSYSTEMS
FORESTS
PLANTS
POLLUTION
SMOG
TERRESTRIAL ECOSYSTEMS
THERMAL POLLUTION
TREES
URBAN AREAS