Trees are a foundation concept in dealing with the rest of the natural world and our own lives. Trees can reduce heat by 10 to 20 degrees, depending on the location. Dust levels on streets with trees is as much as one-third less than dust levels on streets without trees. Trees reduce glare from buildings. Trees provide urban habit for wildlife, including songbirds and small animals.
Trees contribute a sense of natural beauty in landscapes dominated by buildings and roads.
Hammerschlag allows that not all trees adapt to urban environments. The Arbor Day Foundation's web site contains a section with illustrations on how to select and plant a tree in any area. Take action Visit The National Arbor Day Foundation web site for a complete listing of Arbor Day festivities across the U.S., plus information about their free tree giveaway. Read about the history of Arbor Day on History and Stories of Nebraska - Arbor Day. The National Tree Trust and American Forests are also sites dedicated to promoting urban forestry.