Our San Diego & Bay Area Correspondent Anar Salayev writes on the benefits of tree-lined streets in Fremont, CA’s Niles District
As the effects of climate change continue to manifest across the globe, we are seeing cities becoming progressively warmer. Research shows that appropriately distributed street trees can lead to a 20° – 45° F reduction in sidewalk temperature.
How tree-lined streets increase property values and make citizens happier
BY ANAR SALAYEV
Whenever I’m visiting my family in the Bay Area, I make sure to grab a coffee and stroll around Niles District. A historic district adjacent to bordering Union City known for its small-town charm and silent film history, Niles District has become an increasingly popular weekend destination. Niles Boulevard, the district’s main street, hosts a handful of cafes, quaint antique shops, and other family-owned businesses. The district also serves as a gathering ground for a number of fairs and events throughout the year, including an annual dog show, hot-rod exhibition, and a Spring festival.
Southwest of Niles Boulevard lies a cute neighborhood, consisting of cozy cottages, parks, and a couple of churches. Upon entering the residential area, the first thing you (or at least, I) notice is the sheer number of trees lining the streets. Pines, oaks, cypresses, and maples on every corner. These are further supplemented by the foliage found on the residents’ front lawns.
Trees provide a wide variety of other benefits: reduced energy bills, reduced crime, increased walkability, increased property values, and an increased sense of well-being.
Anar Salayev
Besides allowing for a picturesque walk through a beautifully maintained small town, these trees also provide residents (and guests) a number of other benefits. First and foremost, these trees provide shade. As the effects of climate change continue to manifest across the globe, we are seeing cities becoming progressively warmer. Research shows that appropriately distributed street trees can lead to a 20 – 45 F reduction in sidewalk temperature. I am sure that this is very much appreciated in a city like Fremont that sees average temperatures of 80 F in the summer.
Secondly, trees can help with traffic calming and act as physical barriers between vehicular traffic and pedestrians. The built environment strongly affects driver behavior – the narrowing effect produced by lines of trees helps to slow down drivers. If a driver does lose control of the vehicle, the same trees act as a barrier between it and the pedestrians and homes on the other side.
Third, trees reduce both carbon and sound pollution. While the carbon sequestration abilities of trees are well known, their “sound sequestration” benefits are equally beneficial. Trees absorb, deflect, refract, and event mask road noises. While the vehicular traffic directly within Niles’s residential neighborhood is minimal, the trees help to reduce the negative effects of the greater traffic volume on Niles Boulevard and the significantly larger arterial road (i.e. highway) to the east, Mission Boulevard (CA-238).
Fourth, trees can reduce stormwater runoff. If water isn’t properly captured by plants, trees, or the surrounding soil, it spills over onto other environments. This spillover results in flooding, pollution, and stream water erosion. Trees allow for greater evaporation of this water through transpiration (which in turn allows them to grow larger and provide more of these great benefits).
As the effects of climate change continue to manifest across the globe, we are seeing cities becoming progressively warmer. Research shows that appropriately distributed street trees can lead to a 20 – 45 F reduction in sidewalk temperature.
ANAR SALAYEV
Finally, trees provide shelter and habitats for urban wildlife. By attracting different birds, insects, reptiles, and other critters, trees help to maintain (or, kick-start) a region’s biodiversity. In return for a home, the birds will reward us with their songs.
Trees provide a wide variety of other benefits: reduced energy bills, reduced crime, increased walkability, increased property values, and an increased sense of well-being. While not directly correlated, it’s easy to see why Fremont, CA is ranked as one of the happiest cities in America while also boasting an average home value of $1.4 million. Next time you happen to be in the East Bay Area, I highly recommend spending some time in Niles – check out its small businesses, walk through its tree-lined residential streets, and enjoy its many parks.
If you’d like to help plant more trees in your community, check to see what local organizations are up to and if they’re looking for any help or donations.
Anar is a car-enthusiast turned walkability advocate. He seeks a holistic understanding of the built environment. He believes that human-centric urban design will go a long way in combatting climate change, encouraging sustainable practices, and improving health outcomes – both mental and physical.