Using Trees to Minimize an Urban Area’s Ecological Footprint Pays Off

Urbanization affects everything from air and water quality to biodiversity and ecosystem balance. These areas have higher levels of air pollution from vehicle emissions, particularly around main roads. They also use more resources like water and energy than rural areas. In short, urbanization greatly impacts the environment no matter where you live.

Trees can reduce an urban area’s ecological footprint. They are essential to a healthy urban ecosystem. A mature tree, for example, can absorb up to 48 pounds of carbon dioxide annually. Trees are a lifeline for wildlife, filter tons of air pollution, and cool the surrounding temperature several degrees. They can also block sunlight from reaching the ground, reduce heat absorption, and improve air circulation.

Below, we look at the ecological benefits trees provide in urban areas.

Benefits of Urban Forestry?

Urban forestry is the art and science of managing trees and other vegetation in urban environments for people and ecosystems. It’s about planning, planting, caring for, and maintaining trees in cities and towns to maximize their ecological, social, and economic benefits. Urban forestry aims to create sustainable and resilient urban forests that improve air and water providenceri.gov quality, reduce the urban heat island effect, increase biodiversity, and create healthier, more livable communities.

Urbanization’s environmental impacts vary greatly depending on city size, population density, and sustainable development. Industrial waste, sewage overflow, and stormwater runoff can pollute water bodies. Understanding these impacts is key to building sustainable, thriving cities and minimizing their ecological footprint. Trees can reduce an urban area’s ecological footprint and deliver significant environmental benefits while having minimal impact.

Here are some benefits of urban forestry in Rhode Island. Trees can:
• Cooling the surface temperature by several degrees reduces the “urban heat island effect” and lowers energy costs for cooling buildings.
• Release moisture into the air through transpiration and cool the surrounding environment.
• Aerate the soil, improve water infiltration, and prevent soil erosion with their roots.
• Provide habitat for birds, insects, and other wildlife, increasing biodiversity in urban areas.
• Beautify urban landscapes by making them more visually appealing and inviting.
• Reduce stress on residents and improve mental health and well-being.
These are just some things trees can do for people and the environment. A tree’s impact will vary depending on its species, size, and urban environment.
Mitigating the Urban Heat Island
The urban heat island effect occurs when cities are much warmer than surrounding rural areas. This temperature difference is due to the abundance of heat-absorbing surfaces like concrete and asphalt, the lack of vegetation for cooling, and the concentration of heat-generating activities in urban areas. Mitigating the urban heat island in a city like Providence is key to creating a more sustainable and livable city.
How do cities combat the urban heat island effect? They design urban areas with better ventilation, proper building orientation, and more green spaces, which can help cool urban areas. Planting trees, creating parks, and promoting green roofs can also help. While the impact of a single tree may seem small, the cumulative effect of many trees across an urban area can significantly mitigate the urban heat island effect and create a more comfortable and sustainable living environment.

Impact of Trees in Providence
Providence has some interesting tree stats. About 27% of the city is covered by tree canopy, which means 27% of the city is shaded when viewed from above. Providence has an estimated 415,000 trees, about 34.4 trees per acre. The most common tree species in Providence are Norway maple, northern red oak, and Honey locust.
Tree canopy cover is not evenly distributed across Providence. Wealthier neighborhoods like the East Side have much higher tree canopy cover (over 30% in some areas) than lower-income neighborhoods where canopy cover can be as low as 6%. Half of Providence’s trees are relatively young, almost 50% less than 6 inches in diameter. That means we must continue planting and maintaining trees to have a healthy and mature urban forest.
These stats show the importance of trees in Providence and the city’s challenges in maintaining and growing its urban forest. The uneven distribution of tree canopy means we need equitable tree planting initiatives so all residents can access the benefits of trees. You can find more info and reports on Providence’s tree canopy on the city’s website (providenceri.gov) and through the PVD Tree Plan (pvdtreeplan.org).
For more information on urban forestry or combatting the heat island effect, contact the experts at RI Tree (www.ritree.org).