Science-Based Guidance

GREEN INFRASTRUCTURE AND THE BENEFITS OF URBAN TREES

Trees can be counted on to provide shade and beauty under most circumstances. However, with a little knowledge, trees can provide a much wider array of services that meet the needs of people and the planet. Want to learn more about green infrastructure and urban trees. Select from the learning topics below.

GREEN INFRASTRUCTURE LEARNING TOPICS

Cities must provide infrastructure such as water, sewer, sanitation, electricity and storm water management. These services have typically been provided as "grey infrastructure". Grey infrastructure, like dams, culverts, and pipes rely on engineered solutions. Alternatively, "green infrastructure" works with natural processes and leverages natural systems, such as watershed and forests, to provide municipal or regional services. Urban trees are an effective green infrastructure tool as they not only address the infrastructure needs of cities, but actually become more effective with age, and simultaneously contribute positively to other aspects of urban life (called "co-benefits") amplifying social, environmental and economic returns. Learn more about Green Infrastructure and the Benefits of Trees by searching the resources below. 

Green Infrastructure Defined    

Benefits of Green Infrastructure  

The Benefits of Trees 

DESERT HORTICULTURE RESOURCES

Just warming up to landscaping in the desert? Start here! Find comprehensive resources here covering all the basics from planning and xeriscape design to irrigation and other sustainable landscape management practices.

SUSTAINABLE LANDSCAPE MANAGEMENT TOPICS

STILL STUMPED?

Still have questions about caring for your trees or plants? Want a tree or plant identified? Get answers to all your gardening questions!  Contact the University of Arizona Cooperative Extension Master Gardener Plant Clinic. 

Ask a Pima County Master Gardener | UA Cooperative Extension

You can submit your question online or visit the Plant Clinic on Mondays and Thursdays from 10:00 am-2:00 pm. The Pima Co. Master Gardener Plant Clinic is located at:  4210 N Campbell Ave Tucson, AZ 85719-1109  Phone: (520) 626-5161

URBAN FORESTRY AND ARBORICULTURE SCIENCE AND PRACTICE

Arborists need knowledge and skills to care for individual trees in a way that promotes treehealth, long-life and cost savings for the owner. Urban foresters know that the collection of trees in an urban forest must be planned as a system that functions as infrastructure serving people and the planet. Learn more about the science and practice of arboriculture and urban forestry by searching related topics below.

URBAN FORESTRY AND ARBORICULTURE SCIENCE FOR PROFESSIONALS