Why Trees

The science is clear. Creating healthy ecosystems of trees, plants and shrubs is an effective way to sequester CO2. Tree-shaded surfaces can be as much as thirty-five or forty degrees cooler than surfaces in open sun. Trees filter air and water, control storm water and conserve energy.

Studies show that kids are mentally and physically healthier if there are more trees in their community (JAMA Network). Sustainable green space needs to be within reach of every person, every day. And with over 80% of Canadians living in cities, the urban canopy is more important than ever.

By trees, we mean native trees and shrubs.

Native species are hardy and resilient and generally require little maintenance once they are established. Along with the insects that co-evolved with them, native species play a vital role in urban biodiversity, providing habitat, food and protection for birds and wildlife.

Cool fact: Native oak trees support over 500 species of caterpillars whereas ginkgos, a commonly planted landscape tree from Asia, host only 5 species of caterpillars.

Any good forest plan includes shrubs. Shrubs are integral to our city parks and ravines. Learn more.

Source:  2018 Tree Canopy Study, City of Toronto

Source: 2018 Tree Canopy Study, City of Toronto


Celebrated Toronto author and gardener, Lorraine Johnson makes a case for trees. She has a very long list.

Trees absorb carbon dioxide from the atmosphere.
Planting trees helps mitigate climate change.

Trees release oxygen into the atmosphere.
Almost everything that lives needs oxygen.

Trees store carbon.
The world’s forests are significant carbon “sinks” that slow the rate of climate change.

Trees filter dust and pollutants from the air.
Leaves and bark trap harmful airborne particulate matter.

Trees reduce smog and air pollution.
By absorbing nitrous oxides and other pollutants, trees “cleanse” the air.

Trees prevent soil erosion.
The roots of trees hold soil in place on slopes.

Trees help prevent soil compaction.
Healthy soils depend on the air pockets created by roots.

Trees help prevent flooding.
By enhancing in infiltration to groundwater, trees reduce run-off from extreme weather events.

Trees reduce crime and violence.
More tree cover equals less crime in our communities.

Trees attract tourists.
Leafy cities draw visitors, and increase tourism dollars.

Trees reduce noise pollution.
Urban sounds are muffled by trees, creating comfort- able living conditions.

Trees reduce heating costs
in winter.
Evergeen trees insulate our houses, saving us money.

Trees reduce air conditioning costs in summer.
Trees shade our houses, saving us money.

Trees buffer the wind.
Protection from wind enhances our comfort.

Trees increase property values.
The value of our properties increases with the presence of trees.

Trees enhance road safety in winter.
By trapping drifting snow along highways, trees make our roads safer.

Trees cool our cities.
Canopy cover reduces the “urban heat island effect.”

Trees protect us from the sun’s UV-B rays.
Shade reduces our exposure to the UV-B rays that cause skin cancer.

Trees are medicine.
Many pharmaceuticals are derived from trees.

Trees reduce cancer, diabetes
and asthma rates, and lower our stress levels.
The positive health benefits of trees are connected with many major diseases.

Trees reduce high blood pressure.
Greenspaces calm us, slowing our heart rates and lowering our blood pressure.

Trees contribute to mental health.
Being surrounded by trees makes us feel better.

Trees are good for kids.
The more trees in our neighbourhoods, the healthier our children are.

Trees strengthen communities.
The character of our communities and our sense of identity and place are bolstered by trees.

Trees enhance our neighbourhoods.
The more trees, the better we feel about where we live.

Trees moderate air temperatures.
By releasing water vapour into the air, trees moderate extreme heat.

Trees shelter wildlife.
Many creatures, such as birds and insects, make their homes, and escape from predators, in trees.

Trees are important for pollinators.
Insects depend on trees for pollen and nectar.

Trees provide food for humans.
The fruit and nuts of many tree species are important staples in our diets.

Trees create clean drinking water.
By filtering rainwater, trees replenish groundwater drinking sources.

Trees are spiritually uplifting.
In many religious traditions, trees hold important spiritual value.

Trees connect us with history.
Some of the oldest living entities on earth are trees.

Trees are beautiful!
The aesthetic value of trees is beyond measure.