Tree Benefits

The City, in partnership with Dubuque Trees Forever, was awarded a US Forest Service grant for $1.5 million dollars and will be planting thousands of trees over the next 5 years.

If you’re interested in learning more about trees or finding out how to get a FREE tree, visit the Branching Out Dubuque page for more information!

Longer lasting roads

Trees help regulate microclimates in urban areas. Street trees extend the lifespan of road surfaces by keeping them cooler and minimizing temperature fluctuations.

Fewer Flooding Events

Reducing precipitation runoff is critical due to the increase in extreme weather events. Less runoff means lower exspenses used to treat sewer backups, basement flooding, and untreated sewer outflows.

Cooler Commutes

Shade and wind protection are crucial for creating favorable conditions for walking, biking, and using public transportation. Every journey begins with a walk or bike ride, often requiring a wait, which can make locations like bus stops particularly uncomfortable on hot days.

Lower Energy Bills

Trees act as nature’s air conditioners. Through the process of evapotranspiration, they can lower nearby air temperatures. Making trees much more effective for cooling and providing shade than artificial structures like buildings or other grey infrastructure.

A Worthwhile Investment

Planting and maintaining street trees is an investment that continually pays itself off. Unlike traditional infrastructure, which usually loses value over time, trees offer a range of benefits simultaneously and increase in value and capacity as they mature.

Trees and Climate

Climate change is the biggest threat to our plane’ts health. While addressing it requires a combination of solutions, trees offer a proven, cost-effective, and natural method to reduce carbon dioxide in the earth’s atmosphere. Every tree planted is a positive step in the right direction.

Trees and Communities

Trees are essential for fostering healthier, safer, and more connected communities. They purify our air, filter our water, and help mitigate storm surges and flooding in urban areas. Additionally, trees provide shade and can lower city temperatures by up to 10 degrees. Despire social and economic challenges, trees remain a unifying force, bridging communities, cultures, and generations.

Trees and Biodiversity

Healthy forests, whether in natural or urban environments, are crucial for maintaining some of the world’s most biodiverse ecosystems. Trees support wildlife and aquatic life by offering habitat and helping to keep waterways clean. Together, trees and other forest life contribute to a clean water supply, protection against extreme weather, offering recreational opportunities, and enriching human culture.