Trees serve as nature's engineers in cities

What other work of creation gives us so much beauty while delivering communities’ basic needs? After a long drawn out fall with plenty of gorgeous color, we have more time indoors to contemplate nature, including winter silhouettes of trees against lovely sunsets.

Even in the winter, our trees and forests are performing by holding soil in place and providing food that still clings to branches. They provide habitat for overwintering creatures that emerge and do good things in the spring. They welcome people to get outdoors, to walk and to relieve the winter doldrums.

Yes, we are left with leaves to rake. It is a chore but short-lived. While you are raking, remember that the leaves are great for compost that replenishes soil and that your trees can improve your property values and significantly lower your home energy costs.

Winter dormancy is an important time for trees. They take that time to concentrate their energies for the burst of spring growth. Then, through spring, summer and fall, they capture air pollutants, cool hot city places, and provide pleasant spaces to step out and bring down stress levels.

We gain so much benefit from trees and green spaces. They often are the unnoticed backdrop of our lives, and not given much attention by most people. Yet this is changing, as scientists and engineers learn more about how green infrastructure can improve the workings and reduce costs of traditional gray infrastructure.

Well planned and managed trees and natural areas make us happy and help reduce community challenges such as flooding and air pollution. Yes, trees are good, in all seasons of the year.