The Why of Urban Forestry
By Bill Hahn, AIB Judge
Biophilia,
meaning the love of nature, perhaps an unfamiliar term to many of us, is the
urge of humans to affiliate with other living things. Although many of us know
this concept intuitively, it can take on many facets and become difficult to
wrap one’s mind around.
The core notion of biophilia is an experience of love or attraction to
living biological systems. In addition, there’s the biophilia
hypothesis, first introduced by
the celebrated biologist E.O.
Wilson in 1984. The
hypothesis holds that human beings, having spent much of their evolutionary
development as a species in nature, are inherently drawn to natural settings. For those who are so inclined, it could be a God thing. Designing a property,
neighborhood or city incorporating biophilic aspects essentially means providing
space for nature in one or more of its many forms.
Research at the University of Washington and the University of
Illinois reveals that incorporating green concepts into cities reduces crime,
increases retail sales, boosts real estate values, facilitates child learning
and retention levels, promotes a feeling of safety and well-being, fosters
economic development and improves quality of life for residents.
Recognition of the
value of trees to our ecosystems and communities is gaining momentum. In fact,
trees are now valued as infrastructure, similar to water lines, bridges and
storm sewers – known as green infrastructure. Indeed, trees are the only
infrastructure that appreciates in value, over time. All other forms of
infrastructure depreciate in value the day they are installed. Trees have
monetary value and provide environmental services such as storm water
detention, energy conservation, climate modification, air and water quality and
carbon sequestration, among others. They also create a sense of space for
humankind - ceilings and walls we can relate to, while some provide aesthetic
elements such as flowers and fall color, as well as habitat and food for
animals. A professional tree inventory conducted in 1996 valued Akron’s urban
forest (street trees) at 39 million. (60M +/- today)
We’re all biophiliacs to some degree, and the benefits for urban
trees are recognized and considerable. Even though the urban environment is not
a natural setting for trees as would be a woodland setting, the investment is
worth the effort, regardless of a somewhat shortened lifespan. Choosing the
right tree for the right space at the right time, can provide a service life
exceeding 100 years for some species, even in urban areas.
So, in summary, we all
desire natural environments, color trees provide, cool shade on a hot summer
day, clean air and water, low crime rates, green retail space, appreciating
real estate, and the endorphin rush as beauty washes over us. Urban forestry allows
us to enjoy a bit of the natural within the midst of the built environment. The
benefits of urban trees contribute to a better sense of community and pride of
place. Biophilia – for the love of nature, realizing the restorative aspects of
seeing and doing green.
We’re all biophiliacs to some degree, and the benefits for urban
trees are recognized and considerable. Even though the urban environment is not
a natural setting for trees as would be a woodland setting, the investment is
worth the effort, regardless of a somewhat shortened lifespan. Choosing the
right tree for the right space at the right time, can provide a service life
exceeding 100 years for some species, even in urban areas. 
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