Street trees add an interesting dimension to the built environment, providing shade, visual relief and more. They frame the public realm so well that we might be shocked to witness our Main Streets without them. This series of images does just that.
We at Community Builders will not be the first to point out the value of street trees. Dan Burden, Kaid Benfield, Chuck Marohn and many others have done that. But though elegantly and passionately described, there is something missing from the existing body of street tree advocacy: A visual examination of the stark difference between streets with trees, and streets without.
Streets Without Trees takes a look at several communities in the Rocky Mountain west through just this lens. Starting with images of streets already lined with trees, we manipulate the image to result in the same scene with our leafy friends removed. The difference is quite noticeable, and we hope will remind us of a deep-rooted appreciation for them.
FULL STORY: Streets Without Trees
Urban Trees Have Bigger Impact in Hot, Dry Cities
The cooling effect of robust urban tree canopies is more pronounced in hotter, drier cities like Phoenix and Las Vegas.
Symposium Highlights the Crucial Role of Trees in Combatting Extreme Heat
Experts emphasize that planting and maintaining trees in urban areas is essential for reducing extreme heat, cooling cities, and preventing heat-related illnesses, especially as heatwaves become more frequent and severe.
Urban Trees Are Vital in an Era of Extreme Heat
Urban trees are essential for cooling public spaces, promoting physical activity, and protecting vulnerable populations from extreme heat.
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The decision is a victory for environmental groups who charged that freezing funds for critical infrastructure and disaster response programs caused “real and irreparable harm” to communities.
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This six-course series explores essential urban design concepts using open source software and equips planners with the tools they need to participate fully in the urban design process.
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