Trees help clean the air by absorbing and storing carbon, removing it from the atmosphere. Carbon is a main ingredient in the formation of smog. Trees produce oxygen, and a mature tree can produce enough oxygen annually to meet the needs of a family of four for an entire year. Trees also trap air pollution particles. Trees intercept and absorb storm water, reducing runoff and soil erosion.
Trees can screen out noise pollution and reduce stress.
Studies have shown that hospital patients whose rooms looked out onto an area planted with trees were happier and healed faster than those patients who did not have that benefit. Trees also provide habitat for the wildlife, something which is very important in an urban setting. Trees also can improve property values by as much as 20 percent. All these benefits that trees provide can only be realized if trees are selected, planted and maintained properly. The City of Los Angeles, Bureau of Street Services, Street Tree Division is committed to managing the street trees in the City to ensure that all the residences of the City enjoy the maximum benefits that can be obtained from this precious resource known as the urban forest.