Why trees matter for municipalities

For municipal leaders, managing public assets means balancing safety, budgets and community well-being. While trees may not always be top of mind, they provide essential benefits that extend beyond aesthetics, from improving air quality and providing shade to boosting mental health and reducing flood risk.

Maintaining trees also comes with responsibilities, however, including budgeting for planting and pruning, and ensuring they don’t interfere with infrastructure or pose safety risks. Here are some of the key benefits of trees in a community:

• Environmental impact: Trees are natural air filters, capturing particulate matter, dust and pollutants in their bark and leaves. Species like eastern white pine, red maple and honey locust have been shown to absorb harmful gases such as sulfur dioxide and nitrogen oxides, contributing to cleaner, healthier air.

For communities located near highways or commercial areas, trees can help reduce exposure to respiratory irritants, especially for vulnerable populations like children and seniors.

• Stormwater management: Tree root systems absorb rainfall and reduce soil erosion, keeping sediment and pollutants from entering waterways such as drinking water supplies or streams. They also keep waterbodies cooler by providing shade, slowing chemical and bacterial growth, and helping aquatic ecosystems thrive.

According to the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency, forested watersheds can help reduce the burden on local stormwater infrastructure, helping municipalities save on water treatment and flood mitigation costs.

• Wellness and community wellbeing: Access to green spaces, including tree-lined streets and parks, has been linked to lower stress levels and improved mental health. For municipal employees working in public buildings or residents living in dense areas, nearby trees can provide vital respite, reducing stress and encouraging outdoor activity.

Maintenance, however, is crucial to prevent hazards like falling branches or obstructed sightlines, especially near public parks, playgrounds and schools.

• Cooler and safer urban environments: The tree canopy can significantly reduce urban temperatures by providing shade, and due to a process called transpiration (when trees release moisture into the air). This natural cooling effect can lower neighborhood temperatures by several degrees, reducing the “heat island effect” caused by asphalt, buildings and other hard surfaces.

For public buildings, schools and parks, strategically planted trees can reduce cooling costs and make outdoor spaces safer during heat waves. Given that heat-related illness is a growing concern for outdoor workers and vulnerable residents, trees play an important role in minimizing this risk.

• Help in meeting climate goals: Trees absorb and store carbon dioxide through a process known as carbon sequestration. Mature trees lock carbon in their trunks, branches, leaves and soil, reducing the amount of heat-trapping gas in the atmosphere.

In Massachusetts, where many municipalities are adopting climate action plans, local forest management is a powerful and measurable tool. Urban and community tree coverage can help cities and towns meet emissions goals while providing visible, local climate leadership.

Budget and liability concerns

Of course it’s important to weigh the cost of tree planting and maintenance against other infrastructure needs. While road repairs may take precedence, neglecting tree maintenance can lead to safety hazards and costly insurance claims for property damage or personal injury. Proactive strategies such as regular inspections, maintenance schedules, and clear protocols for handling dead or diseased trees can help mitigate the risks.

Dead or overgrown branches can damage property, obstruct roadways, or interfere with utility lines. Regular pruning and health assessments by an arborist can reduce liability and extend the life of municipal trees, preserving their environmental and economic value.

According to the U.S. Forest Service, studies show that every $1 invested in urban tree maintenance can yield $2 to $4 in benefits, including avoided infrastructure damage and energy savings.

Practical steps

Trees offer measurable returns on the investment. Municipalities can take action by:

• Conducting a tree inventory to assess current conditions and identify areas for improvement
• Developing a comprehensive maintenance plan that includes regular inspections and trimming to mitigate risks, especially in areas prone to severe weather
• Working with tree wardens and public works departments to establish guidelines for tree placement and care, balancing environmental benefits with budgetary constraints
• Partnering with conservation groups to offset costs for planting and maintaining trees
• Including forest resilience in climate adaptation and hazard mitigation planning

As development pressures increase and climate conditions intensify, protecting tree coverage is more than an environmental act — it’s a strategic move for municipal resilience.