For the third year, Canberra has been named one of the Tree Cities of the World. What does this mean, you ask?
Canberra has been internationally recognised as a city dedicated to the maintenance of established trees and the growth of our tree canopy.
Though we may not always notice it, our canopies improve our health and wellbeing every day. Here’s how:
- Provides essential shade and helps keep our streets cool in this changing climate. The cover offered by tree canopies lowers surface and air temperature. Bonus – leafy neighbourhoods can even help bring down your electricity bill because you’ll save on cooling.
- Improves air quality. Trees and other plants help to reduce pollution and the emission of greenhouse gases by absorbing toxins from petrol cars and houses and releasing more oxygen. Having more trees, particularly in population dense areas, can significantly reduce air pollution.
- Creates habitats for wildlife. Many of our furry and feathered friends call our tree canopies home. Planting new trees and maintaining the condition of established trees is like renovating their houses – so native wildlife can enjoy their homes in our urban environment.
- Improves stormwater quality. By capturing, storing, and using rainfall, trees absorb pollutants in the water before it enters the stormwater system – acting as a natural filter. This process also slows the flow and volume of stormwater which can reduce the risk or severity of localised flooding.
Perhaps the greatest of all is the fulfilment, comfort and beauty walking down a tree-lined street brings us all.
To learn more about the Urban Forest Strategy, Canberra’s tree canopy coverage and how we care for Canberra’s tress on the Trees page.
