Stormwater and Trees
Earth Gauge Video is available for this tip.
Our urban and suburban development yields miles of paved roads and acres parking lots. Rain water runoff from these surfaces has now become a major source of water pollution in our rivers and streams. How can we slow down the flow? Trees are a big help. Their leaves and bark hold rain water. Tree roots help store water.
Viewer Tip: How much water does a tree capture? Check out The National Tree Benefit Calculator at www.treebenefits.com. Type in your zip code, the type of tree and the tree diameter. In urban areas, a single deciduous tree can intercept up to 750 gallons of storm water runoff per year. A mature evergreen can intercept up to 4,000 gallons! Depending on the type, trees can reduce rain water runoff by 15 to 35 percent. And of course, planting a tree helps add curb value to your home, too.
Seasons: Spring, Summer, Fall
(Sources: Casey Trees and Davey Tree Expert, Co. National Tree Benefit Calculator.” www.treebenefits.com; PATrees.org, “Trees and Forests Reduce the Impacts of Stormwater,” http://www.patrees.org/trees-reduce-stormwater)
