What Tree Do Most Cities Plant on Streets?

When you walk down the streets of any city, you are sure to see trees lining the sidewalks. Trees not only beautify the city, but they also provide shade, improve air quality, and contribute to the overall health and well-being of its citizens. But have you ever wondered what type of tree is most commonly planted on city streets? Let's find out.

The Most Common Street Tree

The most common street tree planted in cities is the London Plane Tree (Platanus x acerifolia). This species of tree is a hybrid between the American Sycamore and the Oriental Plane tree. Its popularity as a street tree can be attributed to its tolerance for pollution, drought, and compacted soil conditions. It also has a high resistance to pests and diseases.

Benefits of the London Plane Tree

In addition to its hardiness, the London Plane Tree is an excellent choice for city streets because of its large size and spreading canopy. It can grow up to 100 feet tall and 80 feet wide, providing ample shade for pedestrians and buildings. Its leaves are also large and thick, making it an effective noise barrier for busy streets.

The London Plane Tree also improves air quality by absorbing pollutants such as carbon dioxide and sulfur dioxide. Studies have shown that trees can reduce air pollution by up to 60%, which is crucial for heavily populated cities with high rates of air pollution.

Challenges of Planting Street Trees

While trees provide many benefits, planting and maintaining them in urban environments can be challenging. In many cities, sidewalks and streets are constructed in ways that make it difficult for trees to grow and thrive. In addition, urban trees are exposed to high levels of pollution, which can cause damage to their leaves and bark.

Tree pests and diseases are also a concern for street trees. The Emerald Ash Borer, for example, is a beetle that has destroyed millions of ash trees in North America. It is crucial for city planners and arborists to carefully select and monitor street trees to ensure their longevity and health.

Beyond the London Plane Tree

While the London Plane Tree is the most common species planted on city streets, it is not the only one. Many cities also plant Honeylocust, Red Maple, and Ginkgo trees, among others. Each species has different characteristics and benefits, and it is important for city planners to carefully consider their choices to ensure a diverse and resilient urban forest.

Conclusion

In conclusion, the London Plane Tree is the most common tree planted on city streets. Its hardiness and size make it an excellent choice for urban environments, where pollution and compacted soil can be challenging for tree growth. However, it is important to carefully consider and monitor street trees to ensure their health and longevity. By planting and maintaining diverse tree species, cities can create thriving urban forests that provide numerous benefits for their citizens.