Trees are crucial for Arizona’s urban environment. Trees provide shade from the fierce Arizona sun. Trees greatly improve the comfort level for people outdoors. Shade also reduces cooling expenses for homes and sun damage to outdoor items. Trees create shade for other plants in the landscape, some require it. The cooling provided by trees comes from both the shade they create and through evaporative cooling from water lost from tree leaves. Together this helps reduce the urban heat island effect. Some trees provide edible fruit, and some produce colorful flowers. Trees block the wind and reduce dust storms.
Trees are attractive and valued. They improve the livability of Arizona’s urban areas and elevate property values. Together, the collection of urban trees is known as the urban forest. This forest supports an urban ecosystem of plants and animals which can only exist in the city thanks to trees.