During the heat of summer, shade from trees helps cool us and our homes. Trees can also pay dividends by shading our streets, which keeps pavement in better condition. Shaded streets require less maintenance and can save up to 60 percent on repaving costs over a 30-year period! Shade from trees also cools pavements, lessening the urban heat island effect that makes metropolitan areas considerably warmer than nearby rural areas.
Viewer Tip: Consider planting a tree near the edge of your property to shade your street and sidewalk. Make sure to choose a tree that will work well with the features of your property. Choose smaller trees for planting near power lines, and avoid using shallow-rooted species, which can heave sidewalks. As a general rule-of-thumb, plant trees at least three-feet from paved areas. Your local University Cooperative Extension office, garden center, or home improvement center can help you choose the right tree for your yard.
You can also contact American Forests at www.americanforests.org/ for more information on how to get involved in urban tree plantings.
This Earth Gauge message was developed by American Forests, the nation’s oldest citizens’ conservation non-profit organization. American Forests is devoted to building a healthier world with trees.
(Source: Alliance for Community Trees. “Why Shade TreesThe Unexpected Benefit.” http://actrees.org/site/stories/why_shade_streets_the_unexpected_benefit.php?tag=news.)
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