Four Ways to Maximize Urban Forestry in Your Area and Combat Air Pollution

Air pollution concerns cities and towns everywhere, including Rhode Island and nearby Massachusetts. Providence, for example, maintained an A grade for short-term spikes in particle pollution last year, indicating no unhealthy days. However, the city still ranks as one of the most polluted counties in the area for year-round particle pollution, though with a slight improvement over last year.  

Urban areas often bear the brunt of air pollution, says a study by Nature Research. It found that city dwellers can experience those in cleaner cities. This high level of air pollution is an environmental issue and a significant healthcare concern. The State of Global Air reports that air pollution contributes to an estimated 7 million premature deaths annually, underscoring the gravity of the situation.

This article reviews the main types of pollution in cities and towns, explains how urban forestry combats air pollution, and provides tips on maximizing the effects of this process.

What is Urban Forestry?

Urban forestry—the practice of planting, caring for, and managing trees in cities and towns— combats pollution and climate change. Scattered around in parks, lining streets, or growing in backyards, these trees all form a hidden forest—the urban forest. It maximizes the benefits trees provide as the green infrastructure for cities and towns, like cooler temperatures, improved stormwater management, and less air pollution.

The two primary culprits of air pollution when it comes to cities and towns are:

• Fine Particulate Matter (PM2.5): These tiny particles come from vehicle emissions, power plants, and industrial processes. They can penetrate the lungs and bloodstream and cause significant health problems.
• Nitrogen Dioxide (NO2): Traffic is a significant source of NO2, which can irritate the airways and worsen asthma.

Urban forestry involves arborists, city planners, researchers, and community activists. They work together to plant new trees, maintain existing ones, advocate for tree preservation, and research the best ways to manage urban forests. Non-profit organizations, like the Rhode Island Tree Council, are also involved in urban forestry, providing educational programs and practical tips on planting and maintaining trees in the state’s urban forests.

Maximizing the Effects of Urban Forestry

How do you maximize the effects of urban forestry? Planting and protecting trees is critical to the maximization process. It’s also a simple yet powerful way to improve air quality. You might even call trees superheroes in combating pollution. If everyone works together, we can boost the effects of urban forestry in our local communities.

Here are some ways you can maximize the effects of urban forestry in your community:

1. Plant the Right Trees

Diversity is vital when it comes to planting trees and maximizing urban forestry. Plant a diverse range of tree species native to the region. Some trees native to Rhode Island include red maple, white oak, Eastern white pine, pitch pine, swamp white oak, and American Beech.

This approach creates a more resilient urban forest less susceptible to disease and pests. Before planting a tree, consider its mature size, root system, and light needs. This ensures healthy growth and avoids future problems with power lines, sidewalks, or buildings.

• Taking Care of Existing Trees:

Proper maintenance is critical when caring for existing trees. Schedule regular pruning and trimming activities to promote healthy growth and avoid hazards. Water newly planted trees regularly, especially during dry periods. (Established trees may need occasional deep watering during droughts.) Put mulch around the trunk to protect the tree’s base from compaction and promote healthy root growth.

• Community Involvement:

Conducting tree inventories, even if just a partial one in your neighborhood, is an excellent way to get involved in urban forestry. This data helps identify areas that would benefit most from new trees. You can also volunteer for planting and tree care activities. This effort extends a helping hand and can make a huge difference. Plus, you can advocate for urban forestry by supporting policies that promote tree planting and protection in your city.

• Spreading the Word:

Educating others on the benefits of trees, such as we do here at RI Tree, isa fourth way you can help maximize urban forestry in your community. You can also donate money or volunteer your time to organizations dedicated to urban forestry. Joining and participating in our activities is a great way to raise awareness about the benefits of urban forestry and encourage others to get involved.

By working together, communities can maximize urban forestry’s positive effects and create healthier, more sustainable cities. That, in turn, can help eliminate air pollution in Rhode Island’s cities and towns.