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Trees are a tremendous value to city life...economic value, health factors, and quality of life improve with an urban forest.

Have you noticed that trees make a tremendous difference in liveability of a city? Walking along a tree lined sidewalk is so much more pleasant than walking in a flat landscape, or in the glaring sun.

Just today, as my husband and I walked to lunch at a nearby cafe, we saw the workmen trimming 50' palm trees. I'm new to Los Angeles, and that's the first time I'd seen this process. Ladder trucks with a chainsaw wielding trimmer sheer off the dead fronds and the huge pile that fall are gathered by tractors with front loader scoops. It's a big job...I'm glad the city has the tools to do this trimming of the thousands of palm trees in this city.

It's easy to take trees for granted when they have always been on our street. But in the vastness of the U.S., we sometimes focus more on the open space of our vast plains and forests than about the trees in our urban areas. Urban space is valued for human endeavors...and trees can sometimes get in the way.

But...
It is estimated that more than 80 percent of the population will live in urban areas by the year 2000.

Urban and community forestry plays an important role in enhancing community vitality and quality of life.

Street trees and forested areas in cities, towns and communities are more than amenities. Besides beauty, trees provide many practical benefits such as

Most cities are removing more trees than they are planting.

So, if you love trees (and I'm frequently privileged to hear people profess emotional ties to majestic and magnificent trees), here is a helpful checklist on how to plant, trim and otherwise manage trees in your backyard...or in your community. _____
Checklist for planting trees in communities http://willow.ncfes.umn.edu/uf-ptrees/planting_trees.htm

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The USDA Forest Service, St. Paul Field Office provides information and assistance on forest health and tree care, natural resources management, and other forestry related topics.
http://willow.ncfes.umn.edu/

Remember to take a "Nature Break": Savor the coolness of your favorite tree's protective shade on your skin...and take mental note of the age your trees have reached.

For more articles about URBAN NATURE

Urban Agriculture for Outdoor Adventure
Earth's Most Successful Life Form
Kudzu Grows a Foot per Day
Meow How? Should I keep my cat indoors?
Habitat on Your Balcony and Garden Patio
Keeping ants in nature where they belong

NOTE to my readers: We provide resource links to help you protect and nurture your natural resources. Tip: when you contact suppliers in person, online, by phone or email...please ask them about alternatives that are sustainable, green, or habitat-healthy. By asking, we advocate for better protection of our natural resources. Thank you, Carolyn.