Urban trees are a breath of fresh air

Trees are crucial features in our urban streetscapes. They keep us cooler, clean the air, contribute to the biodiversity of the urban landscape, provide habitat, help maintain soil moisture levels, aid in managing storm water runoff, provide amenity and appeal. Many urban trees connect us to our historic and cultural roots; trees provide a sense of place.

Urban tree cover is recognised world-wide as an important tool for combating climate change. Trees absorb carbon and deliver oxygen. Open grassland spaces and parkland gardens are attractive, but trees are much, much better at providing relief from the urban heat island effect and sequestering carbon.

In 2018, Melbourne’s tree canopy cover was measured at 15.3%, one of the lowest rates of Australian cities, (Sydney and Adelaide each have 23%, Brisbane has 44% tree canopy cover).

I wonder how the urban areas of Baw Baw are measuring up? Can you imagine some of Drouin’s beautiful tree-lined streets without their trees? 

Urban tree cover requires proper planning and robust policies. Streetscapes don’t have to be ‘hardscapes’ that exacerbate the urban heat island effect, create storm water runoff issues and negatively impact on human and ecological health. 

Roads and footpaths make up the largest area of public space in any urban context. It is obligatory of planners, engineers and developers to be fully cognisant of the benefits of urban trees and how to incorporate them into urban design.

We need urban trees more than ever.