Across the state of Texas,
from small towns to urban neighborhoods, trees play a vital role in our
communities. Trees help give a community its sense of place, and provide
environmental, economic and social benefits.
Community
forestry involves the selection, planting and long-term care of the trees where
we live—in our cities, neighborhoods and communities. Trees growing in our
cities are an important asset, and an integral part of the infrastructure that
must be managed in order to sustain community livability and quality of
life.
TEXAS A&M
FOREST SERVICE URBAN FORESTRY PROGRAM
Texas
A&M Forest Service urban foresters act as facilitators, bringing together
interested parties to find local solutions to local tree problems. By finding
and training local leaders, TFS urban foresters help increase public awareness
of the value of urban trees, raise the skill level of local tree workers, set
quality standards for tree planting and care and guide communities toward
sustainable management of their community forests.
BENEFITS OF
TREES
Trees provide many
economic, social, and environmental benefits that lead to improved well-being
and a better quality of life. These are just a few of the services trees
provide to Texans:
- Energy
Conservation
Trees help conserve energy by casting summer shade
and blocking chilly winter winds. Strategically placed trees help conserve
energy around your home. - Stormwater Control
To cope
with storm runoff, cities must construct expensive systems to capture and
control stormwater. Trees intercept rainfall that would otherwise run off of
impervious surfaces such as rooftops, roads and parking lots.
- Clean and Cool Air
As a by-product of commerce and
development, urban areas generate heat and pollution. Large shade trees filter
air and reduce ambient temperatures. - Community
Well-being
Many studies have shown that a treed environment
helps reduce stress and helps people focus better and stay on task.
Neighborhoods with healthy trees have lower crime rates and street trees
reduce the frequency and severity of traffic accidents. - Property
Values
Even one healthy shade tree can increase property values
by up to 10 percent. Invest in your home or
community by planting trees!