Planting trees can cut urban air pollution by up to 24% according to a new study by US think tank The Nature Conservancy.
Planting Trees
Researchers measured microscopic particles of pollution near trees and compared them to particulate counts in areas where there were no trees growing. They found levels were between 7% and 24% lower near trees. The study also found that trees caused a ‘cooling’ effect, reducing air temperatures nearby by up to 2°C.
Air pollution is one of the most urgent problems of our time, especially in cities. It’s thought urban pollution could claim an estimated 6.2 million lives each year by 2050, with those living near busy roads worst affected.
The good news is that there’s still time to plant pollution-busting trees in your garden at home to offset the effect of nearby traffic pollution.
Trees for Smaller Gardens?
Among the best varieties of tree for absorbing pollution particles from the air are London planes and holm oaks, but for smaller gardens there are more compact choices like Ginkgo biloba, Chinese dogwoods and hawthorn.
