With the launch of a 10-city, nationwide campaign, the National Arbor Day Foundation and The Home Depot Foundation are helping people understand the importance of trees as the green infrastructure of our cities. Throughout the campaign, thousands of trees will be planted and given away to school children. The campaign will include city leaders, parents and children getting involved in improving the health of their communities.

"This campaign is an important part of our overall commitment to increase tree canopy in cities and towns while helping to promote livable, healthy and affordable communities - and it makes our partnership with The National Arbor Day Foundation a natural fit," says Kelly Caffarelli, executive director of The Home Depot Foundation.

During the campaign, representatives from both foundations - along with thousands of volunteers nationwide - will work to educate people of all ages on the economic, social and environmental impact trees make in urban areas through actual hands-on planting of thousands of trees.

Perhaps the greatest impact trees have on cities is the reduction of pollution. Trees absorb carbon dioxide produced by automobiles, creating cleaner air. They reduce noise pollution on busy streets and create a barrier for private areas. Trees also reduce water runoff, stabilize soil and filter pollutants, reducing costs associated with storm water control and water treatment facilities.

When strategically placed, trees can decrease utility bills by up to 50 percent. Property values of homes with trees or homes located near city parks are reportedly 5 to 20 percent higher. In addition, studies show that businesses on tree-lined streets experience a 12 percent increase in sales versus those without trees.

Trees and green spaces do more than provide shade or a place to play. Neighborhood parks and gardens encourage more tightly knit communities, which lower local crime rates. Research shows that productivity at businesses with outdoor areas is higher while stress and aggression levels are lower. Children also benefit from being exposed to green. Students who have a view of trees and greenery are proven to perform better at school. In fact, access to green spaces relieves the symptoms of attention deficit/hyperactivity disorder and asthma, resulting in better concentration during class.

To find out more about the nationwide tree-planting campaign, go to www.homedepotfoundation.org, or to learn how to hold a tree-planting celebration in your own community, visit www.arborday.org.

Courtesy of ARA Content