Photo by Chris Groden: 2011 Trinity River Photo Contest, 1st Place Amateur in Forest/Prairie
The scientific community and regional decision makers understand that trees offer many solutions to environmental problems. One of our most pressing environmental problems in the North Texas region is Air Quality. Trees are powerful, full time, efficient air filters. They have a direct and profound effect on our air quality, as well as our quality of life; they clean our air, water and soil, and they improve our health, sense of well being, and our economic future.
According to National Forest Service research, larger trees are 60-70 times more beneficial than recently planted trees in their ability to reduce air pollution. Therefore, conservation helps air quality today, while tree planting will help in the future. These efforts will not resolve all of our air quality concerns but they are a critical part of the solution.
-Provided by Steve Houser, former Chair, Urban Forest Advisory Committee
