Environmental
What role do trees play in urban forest?
The trees help reduce air pollution by absorbing gases like nitrogen dioxide and trapping the particles on leaves.
How do parks impact the social aspect of a community?
Parks are a place for physical activities such as running, biking and sports and social gatherings like parties in a community without them the social mood of a community can decline which can negatively impact mental health.
What do people need to legally cut down trees?
A municipal tree removal permit.
How much does it cost to plant a tree in a city?
Around $2000 per tree
What is a green space?
An area in towns or cities covered with vegetation, used for parks, recreation or environmental conservation.
How do urban forests support wildlife in cities?
Urban forests provide habitats for tree dwelling animals like squirrels and birds, which prevents habitat loss from concrete expansion and boosting city biodiversity.
How do urban forests reduce mental health issues?
Urban forests reduce mental health issues by providing nature breaks from city life that lower stress, anxiety, depression, blood pressure, and improve memory, attention, and flexibility.
Who mainly manages urban forestry in Canada?
Municipal governments handle most urban forestry, with rules varying by city, including tree cutting permits and protection bylaws
How much money can be made back by each dollar spent planting trees?
For each dollar spent planting a tree, around $2-$5 is gained back.
Which cities are the urban heat issue mostly happening in and why?
Usually very dense (highly populated) areas such as Toronto, Montreal, and Vancouver.
How do urban forests cool Canadian cities?
Urban forests cool cities by shading streets and buildings, and allowing soil to absorb rainwater instead of hot concrete.
How do urban forests build community in cities?
Urban forests build community by shading streets for walking and biking, creating shaded parks as outdoor gathering spots where neighbours talk and connect unlike concrete deserts.
Who decides what a green space can be used for?
The local governments decide primarily through urban planning and park management departments
What jobs does urban forestry create in Canadian cities?
Urban forestry creates jobs in planting, tree care, park maintenance, nursery work, urban planning, and environmental consulting.
Why is flooding not a problem in cities with lots of green spaces or suburban areas?
This is because the ground in green spaces and suburban areas are made out of absorbent materials such as soil, this means the soil will absorb the precipitation unlike concrete (not absorbent).
How do urban forests improve air and water quality in Canadian cities?
Trees absorb pollution like CO2 and dust from air, while roots soak up rainwater to filter chemicals and stop floods.
How do urban forests improve health in cities?
Urban forests improve health by cooling neighbourhoods during heat waves, reducing pollution, which encourages walking and exercise, while also lowering stress, anxiety, and depression.
How do Indigenous communities collaborate with the government to create green spaces?
Indigenous communities want to restore ecological balance, they plan on doing this by sharing their ecological knowledge (creating story walks and sharing circles)
How do urban forests help Canadian city economies?
Urban forests save Canadian cities millions on stormwater, cooling, and healthcare with raising property values, creating jobs, and returning multiple dollars per dollar spent despite upfront costs.
How much has urban greenness declined in Canada since 2000?
It declined by 8.2% between 2000 and 2025
How do urban forests fight climate change in cities?
Urban forests fight climate change by absorbing carbon dioxide to provide fresh air, reducing urban heat from concrete, and using southern tree species that survive warming temperatures.
How do urban forests promote equity in cities?
Urban forests promote quite by providing shade, cleaner air, and safe recreation spaces to lower income neighbourhoods that often have less green spaces, which also reduces health gaps seen in wealthier areas like parts of Toronto.
What is the 3-30-300 urban Forestry guideline?
It is a guideline to improve human health and their well-being. It means every person should see at least 3 trees from their home, live in a neighborhood with 30% tree canopy cover, and be within 300 meters of a green space.
How is the money spent on planting trees made back?
The money is made back from energy savings, health, storm water management). For example, trees can reduce air conditioning costs in the summer by 30%
Why is urban forestry challenging to manage?
Urban forestry faces challenges like invasive pests killing trees, sidewalk damage from roots, high upfront cost for planting and maintenance, and balancing green spaces with housing development.