This year’s rainy season has already toppled some 750 street trees that have also come crashing down, their shallow roots unable to withstand the fierce winds and saturated soil. You can add to that tally 350 trees across the city’s parks and green spaces — 160 in a single storm alone.
But the falling trees are only half the story. Despite environmental regulations mandating the replacement of every felled specimen, the city’s tree canopy is quietly shrinking, as the rules are routinely ignored.
Cities need trees
The benefits of urban trees are well documented. A single mature tree can absorb up to 48 pounds of carbon dioxide annually, release enough oxygen for two people, and capture significant amounts of airborne dust and particulate matter. Trees lower surface temperatures by up to 45°F and reduce energy demand for air conditioning. They intercept stormwater, reduce flooding and provide habitat for birds and pollinators.
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