Beyond their aesthetic appeal, urban trees hold the key to shaping a healthier, more sustainable urban environment for us all. Tim Hall, our Chair, shares the many advantages that trees bring to our urban landscapes.

Conserving energy

The impact of trees on our surroundings is nothing short of remarkable. In winter, buildings lose heat to their surroundings, exacerbated by the chilling effects of wind. Trees act as nature’s ‘windbreaks’, significantly reducing this heat loss and, consequently, heating costs. Fast forward to summer, and the cooling benefits of trees – offered through shade and evapotranspiration – reduce the need for energy-intensive air-conditioning systems. This not only saves money but also contributes to a reduction in CO₂ emissions. Even in Scotland, where air conditioning may seem minimal, the hum of units around large office buildings in cities during summer tells a different story.

Mitigating flash flooding  

With flash flooding on the rise, a tree canopy proves invaluable. Serving as a buffer, trees intercept rain, allowing it to either evaporate or reach the ground more slowly, thereby enhancing the infrastructure’s ability to absorb excess water.  

Health benefits

Air pollution, a silent killer responsible for an estimated 24,000 premature deaths annually in the UK, poses a severe threat. Urban trees act as physical filters, trapping dust and toxic particles. Studies even indicate that areas with a high  number of trees around a playground can reduce asthma rates by 25%.

The positive impacts extend to mental wellbeing. With one in six people in the UK suffering from some form of mental ill-health in their lifetime, the simple act of having a view of trees from a window has been shown to reduce anxiety and stress symptoms. Hospitals with tree views report faster patient recovery and reduced painkiller requirements.

Economic gains

The societal benefits of improved health and energy savings translate into economic gains. Moreover, urban trees bring additional economic benefits. Companies are more likely to invest in locations with high-quality green infrastructure. Studies also show that shoppers are willing to travel further, linger longer and spend more in areas with a high-quality tree canopy.

These are just some of the remarkable benefits urban trees bring. For a deeper dive into the science behind it all, check out this brilliant University of Washington website summarising current research.

Measuring progress

So, how many trees should we have? The 3-30-300 standard developed by Cecil Konijnendijk offers a quick metric for progress:

• 3: Ensure everyone can see at least three mature trees from where they live, work or study.
• 30: Aim for a minimum of 30% tree canopy cover in every neighbourhood. 
• 300: Ensure everyone is within 300 metres of good quality accessible greenspace.

However, the reality in Scotland’s towns and cities falls short, with Glasgow at a mere 15% and Aberdeen just 10% tree canopy cover. Disconcertingly, wealthier communities enjoy higher canopy cover, while our more deprived areas, already facing challenges in physical and mental health, have the lowest cover.

Why a collective effort is needed

Future Woodlands Scotland advocates for all towns and cities to embrace the 3-30-300 standard, benefiting communities across the spectrum.

Achieving this ambitious goal requires collaboration – our Urban Forestry Programme is a stepping stone,  but the journey demands the collective effort of planners, local authorities, communities, businesses and individuals. Together, we can release the power of urban trees and build a greener, healthier future for all.

Learn more about our Urban Forestry Programme