Trees provide shade and cooling of streams, which is essential to fish and other aquatic life. Trees in the combined sewer area prevent millions of gallons of rainwater from entering the Sewage Treatment Plant. Trees improve our air by capturing pollution particles in leaves and reducing carbon dioxide. Trees provide food and shelter for wildlife that would otherwise be displaced. Trees provide shade and can help keep homes and buildings up to 20 degrees cooler in the summer.
Trees provide privacy and help reduce noise and glare.
Trees help reduce stress. The sight, sound, smell and touch of plants can reduce stress levels. Crime levels in communities are reduced when there are extensive street tree systems and well-landscaped parks. The Commission is a group of nine volunteer citizens who review plans and policies related to urban forestry. The Commission offers advice on the preparation of the annual Urban Forestry budget request, sponsors the Heritage Tree Program, educates the community about urban forestry issues and resolves conflicts relating to trees by hearing citizen appeals brought forth by the Urban Forestry Manager.