08/31/2026
Trees are infrastructure—not decoration.
Urban areas with heavy pavement and limited greenery can run about 1–7°F hotter during the day than surrounding areas, according to the EPA. At night, that heat can linger even longer. Trees cool streets through shade and evapotranspiration, while their roots help slow stormwater runoff. EPA
A U.S. Forest Service study estimated that urban and community tree cover was declining by roughly 36 million trees per year during its study period. That’s a national estimate—not a current count for every city. USDA Forest Service
Some trees must come down because of disease, storm damage, or safety concerns. But when mature canopy disappears and replacement planting never follows, cities lose cooling, shade, cleaner air, and stormwater control that concrete can’t replace.
Plant the tree. Protect the young tree. Give it time to become infrastructure.
