MERIDIAN —
In Mississippi, where the timber industry brings in billions of dollars annually, trees are often thought of as a commodity, but they are more than that, according to Kevin Locke, senior planner for the city of Meridian.
Trees add much to the quality of life, Locke said. He talked about the environmental, social, and psychological benefit of trees during the city's annual Arbor Day event on Friday. The Willow Oak tree planted on Arbor Day will grow and eventually provide habitat for birds, which eat pesky inspects. That cycle benefits humans, he said.
There are less obvious benefits to having trees around, he said. For instance, the city is currently working on storm water problems downtown.
"We're working on a storm drain project," Locke said. "That tree captures water in its leaves. A mature tree can hold 100 gallons or more."
A forested area can hold thousands of gallons of water, preventing water from running off.
"Trees are green infrastructure," Locke said. "It's like your pipes and your utilities are gray infrastructure. Trees are green infrastructure. They clean the air. If the tree is strategically planted near streets, it cools the asphalt and the asphalt street lasts longer."
Heating and cooling costs are reduced when houses have trees nearby, he said.
"If we had meters on trees that showed you what you were getting — the benefits provided," Locke said, "then we would really think twice about cutting trees."
Locke said one study shows a return of $4 for every $1 invested in trees. He said others studies have shown the presence of trees can reduce the crime rate, and people heal in hospital settings faster if they can see trees.
Local News
Related Photos
-
Colton Robinson, 4, gets some help from his grandfather Troy Butler and Connie Royal, Community Development director for the city of Meridian, as he shovels dirt during the annual Arbor Day tree-planting hosted by the Meridian Tree Commission. With them is Helen Gough, commissioner. The city planted a Willow Oak in Ben Arthur Davis Park. Terri Ferguson Smith
Discussion
Annual city Arbor Day event held
- Local News
-
-
Large crowd attends police station ribbon cutting
"Central Dispatch?"
"Dispatch."
"The Meridian Police Department on Sixth Street is 10-7."
"10-4. The MPD on Sixth Street is out of service."
"Central Dispatch?"
"Dispatch."
"The Meridian Police Department on 22nd Avenue South is now 10-8."
"10-4. The MPD on 22nd Avenue South is now in service." -
Police track down robbery suspect
-
Walking to remember
- Wreath-laying to honor Jimmie Rodgers
-
Robbery suspect identified
- 'Sell Your Boat Event' to benefit charity
-
Robbery suspect nabbed
-
Paramedic drops pounds in ‘Biggest Loser’ challenge
-
For the sake of the children
For the vast majority of children quietly walking from West Lauderdale Elementary School Wednesday morning, they knew they were taking part in a drill.
-
One charged in weekend shooting
- More Local News Headlines
-
Raw: Trucker Bumps I-5 Bridge Before Collapse
Raw: Texas Deputy Shot by Colo. Suspect Honored
Major Detours Following Wash. Bridge Collapse
American Held in Grisly Czech Murders
Raw: Jersey Shore Reopens for Summer
UK-bound Pakistan Plane Diverted, 2 Men Arrested
Officials: Tsarnaev Friend Linked to Slaying
Obama:Sexual Assault Threatens Trust in Military
Bridge Collapse Survivor: 'Rough Day'
Jersey Shore Open for Business
Raw: Memorial Day Flags Placed at Arlington
New Wheelchair Lift Promises More Access
First Person: Mom Discusses Famous Tornado Photo
Raw Video: Washington State Bridge Collapse
Boy Scouts Approve Plan to Accept Gay Boys
