Benefits of Urban Forests and Trees

Description

Urban forestry is the art and science of managing the biotic components in cities for the health and well-being of people. As people move to urban centers, they become increasingly disconnected from the natural and agricultural systems known to their ancestors. Large urban trees are excellent filters for urban pollutants and fine particulates. Trees can provide food, such as fruits, nuts and leaves. Spending time near trees improves physical and mental health by increasing energy level and speed of recovery, while decreasing blood pressure and stress. Trees properly placed around buildings can reduce air conditioning needs by 30% and save energy used for heating by 20-50%. Trees provide habitat, food and protection to plants and animals, increasing urban biodiversity planting trees today is essential for future generations! Their benefits and uses range from intangible psychological and aesthetic benefits to amelioration of urban climate and mitigation of air pollution. Historically the main benefits of urban trees and forests relate to health, aesthetic and recreational benefits in industrialized cities. This book brings a perspective of political ecology to the complexities of urban trees and forests through three themes: human agency in urban forests and greenspace; arboreal and greenspace agency in the urban landscape; and actions and interventions in the urban forest.