I wrote this Summary for English 100 on an article addressing the significant benefits Urban Forests provide us.


In “The importance of urban forests,” by Amy Fleming, the article describes the significance of having trees in the city, addressing the economic benefits they provide and how there is a shortage issue. Historian Jill Jones states, “Most of the big, old elms have been wipe out by Dutch elm Disease” (Jones, 1). Due to the lack of recognition urban trees were receiving, a group of tee activist formed an advocacy group called the Big Tree Project. City officials used to view urban trees simply as, “expensive ornaments” Jones writes, “But what is now known about the ecological services that trees provide is staggering” (2). Economic benefits the trees provided include the ability to cool cities by between 2C and 8C, cut air conditioning usage by 30%, reduce heating energy by 20-50%, increase property value by 20% and reduce stress and anger. With those stats, “Perhaps money really does grow on them after all,” (Fleming, 2). Public health expert, William Bird asserts, “Trees are economic drivers. Everyone knows if you look at fancy neighbourhoods, they are the ones with the most trees” (3). We humans are naturally drawn to trees and safety, US Forest Service Donavan explains, also adding “The value we place on trees and nature is informed by childhood experience” (5). This means each generation will be less educated to the positive impact trees provide.