Why is Arbor Day Important?
As Arbor Day approaches, our thoughts, if only for a short time, are focused on the importance of trees. As an ISA Certified Arborist, trees are more than a yearly holiday event; trees, and their care, are my living. As a mayor, town manager, department head, or a supervisor, why should trees and tree care, be a priority for you? Dr. Greg McPherson, and his team from UC Davis, has done extensive and quantifiable research on the many tangible benefits of trees to our cities and towns. Here is a brief summary of what they have found. 1. Trees provide shade and keep our cities cool. They reduce the “heat sink” effect of large areas of concrete and asphalt. Properly placed trees can reduce summer cooling costs by as much as 20%. 2. Studies have shown that “well-treed” neighborhoods have lower rates of domestic violence. Healthy trees have a stress reducing effect on many people. A walk in the woods does the body good. 3. Better shopping? Yes. People stay longer, and spend, as much as 12% m
