Wednesday, June 6, 2012

The Values of Community Trees - Storm Water Runoff



Storm Water Runoff


According to Dr. Kim Coder of the University of Georgia, for every 5 percent of tree cover added to a community, stormwater runoff is reduced by approximately 2 percent.  Trees break the force of rainfall and help to slow runoff.  They prevent soil erosion and allow water to infiltrate into the soil.  Importantly, the urban tree canopy reduces the need for expensive infrastructure like huge sewer pipes and catchment basins. 



(Taken from the Tree City USA Bulletin – 2007 Annual Report.  Published by the National Arbor Day Foundation)




Gene Dempsey, City Forester
Environmental Services
Office - (954) 828-7704 Fax - (954) 828-7897