Green Horizons

If you’ve attended your community Fourth of July parade or an outdoor music festival on a hot, sunny summer day, you’ve probably noticed where the most popular viewing spots are – under the trees! People cluster in the shade, while sites with equally good views, but in the bright sun, remain unused. It’s the trees that make the difference!

Small towns and large cities across Iowa are becoming increasingly aware of the importance of the public landscape. Street trees – that is, trees that are planted in the space between the sidewalk and the street curb – benefit people and communities in many ways. Street trees can greatly enhance the look of a town: residential tree-lined streets are very appealing visually. The benefits of trees that we enjoy in our private yards – the shade, cooling effects, and increased wildlife habitat – can be extended to a more public venue with the planting of street trees.

Recent trends seem to indicate a decline in the number of street trees in many communities. “We’re seeing fewer trees along streets, and are concerned with the number of communities that are actually banning street trees,” said Trees Forever President and CEO Shannon Ramsay. “The long-term effects will surely be less attractive communities with less shade and poorer air quality.”

The planting of street trees certainly can raise some challenges, since they are usually located on public property and are often subject to local ordinances. Concerns that trees may interfere with utilities, block views of traffic, or have other potentially undesirable consequences have caused many communities to restrict the planting of street trees. To deal with the issues involved in balancing the benefits of trees against these potential problems, many communities have established tree boards to help manage the planting of street trees.

The benefits of street trees are certainly not restricted to residential areas. Downtown business districts can enjoy reduced noise, heat, and pollutants with trees planted strategically along sidewalks. Trees in business districts also have been shown to improve business. Research by Dr. Kathleen Wolf of the Center for Urban Horticulture with the University of Washington has indicated that consumers will spend more time shopping in an urban-forested area, and will spend more money, than those customers making purchases in areas without tree-lined streets. Even though business owners may see drawbacks of having trees in front of their stores – messy leaves, roosting birds, etc. – those potential problems are actually offset by the added aesthetic and emotional appeal to the consumer.

Whether in busy shopping districts or quiet residential neighborhoods, street trees can beautify our surroundings as they benefit the environment. Encourage them in your community!

When planting street trees keep these points in mind:

• At maturity, the tree should not interfere with overhead utility lines, underground sewers, lighting, or street traffic.
• Any unusual maintenance problems, such as messy fruit, should be addressed.
• To guard against the potential disaster of having an entire street of trees wiped out (such as when Dutch elm disease ravaged many Midwestern towns in the 1960s), street tree plantings should ideally be comprised of a diversity of species. Lists of recommended species for your area are available from your university extension office.
• Minimize problems by choosing species that are durable, placing them in appropriate spots, and providing necessary maintenance on an ongoing basis.