Trees are a vital part of the environment. From providing oxygen, improving air quality, natural filtration and providing shade to cool temperatures, trees promote, support and sustain life for plants, animals and humans. Despite their importance, trees, particularly in urban areas, are suffering at the hands of pollution, bug populations and deforestation.
As the summer months approach, trees become an even more important piece in helping to regulate climate. Tree canopies, or the coverage trees provide from their branches and leaves, are decreasing and thus impacting the overall health and wellness of urban cities like Detroit. For African Americans, asthma and other respiratory illnesses are diagnosed at higher rates than any other racial demographic. The presence of trees helps to naturally filter particles and can help improve breathing issues. However, the USDA Forest Service reports a 22 percent canopy cover in Detroit with a target goal of 40 percent.
For over 30 years, The Greening of Detroit has worked to positively impact the quantity and quality of trees across the city. Since its inception in 1989, the organization has planted more than 130,000 trees across Detroit, Hamtramck and Highland Park. Preaching the gospel of saving and investing in urban forests, The Greening of Detroit has an intentional stake in creating a greener environment for residents.
“Trees are a very valuable infrastructure in our environment and especially in urban areas like Detroit. Trees provide clean air and water, habitat for animals, and is one of the most cost-effective ways to mitigate stormwater,” said Lionel Bradford, president and executive director of The Greening of Detroit. “They also sequester carbon, lower temperatures and provide aesthetics. In addition to the environmental benefits of trees, there are also social and economic benefits. Planting trees brings residents together, strengthens neighborhoods and creates jobs.”
The issue of tree equity is a growing problem for not just Detroit, but major cities across the country. The Tree Equity Score, configured by American Forests, tallies tree canopy coverage against that of income, employment, race, age and health factors. Though Detroit’s overall score is 80, 282,000 trees need to be planted to get each of the 875 black groups to a score of 75. Alternatively, suburban areas across Michigan, such as Bloomfield Hills with its perfect 100 Tree Equity Score, can rank anywhere between 79 and 88. Meaning groups like The Greening of Detroit must continue its push in increasing the number of trees in the city.
“There are a number of variables that come into play when we talk about tree loss in urban areas. First and foremost is disease. Most urban areas were hit hard by Dutch Elm disease and The Emerald Ash Borer. From 1950 to 1980, Detroit lost 500,000 trees to Dutch Elm disease alone. Another important reason we lose trees in urban areas is due to urbanization,” said Bradford. “When development comes along, trees and greenspaces are wiped out and never replaced. This has gone on for years without any solid solutions to replace them. Lastly, I would say that neglect is a major variable that contributes to tree loss in urban areas. For many years, Detroit, like many other urban cities, lacked the resources to properly plant and maintain trees and to remove dead or dying trees. Luckily this administration has really been intentional about reversing this.”
Cooling costs are also affected by tree canopies and Detroit’s low number could mean rising costs to cool down in the summer months. Trees act as a natural barrier from the sun‘s rays creating a cooling effect under the protection of their branches and leaves. The United States Environmental Protection Agency estimates tree canopy cool areas by 20 to 45 degrees Fahrenheit. With high energy costs, families can consider planting trees around their home to increase evapotranspiration (a process where water moves from the earth’s surface into the air.
“Climate change is the biggest threat to our environment. Trees are very effective at removing carbon dioxide from the atmosphere. They store the carbon and release the oxygen we breathe. Trees also mitigate the heat island effect and are important vehicles in cooling cities. They lower surface temperature and air temperature,” said Bradford.
Detroit’s environmental health remains at risk for the predominantly African American city. Efforts are being made to conserve trees, yet progress is slow. As community groups work to counter the effects, it will remain up to Detroiters to preserve the environment for future generations.
“Major reforestation efforts are needed. We have to start looking at trees as necessary and vital infrastructure. We have to plant trees on a consistent basis; the right tree in the right place. There has to be solid maintenance plans put in place to make sure these trees survive. Community engagement is key in doing this,” said Bradford. “We believe residents should have a say in what is going on in their neighborhood and we want residents to participate in tree planting. This makes the planting more sustainable. I would also mention that there needs to be a tree removal campaign going on simultaneously.”
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