Trees contribute to their environment by providing oxygen, improving air quality, climate amelioration, conserving water, preserving soil, and supporting wildlife. During the process of photosynthesis. Trees take in carbon dioxide and produce the oxygen we breathe. They can protect their neighborhoods in several ways.
- Clean air: Trees produce oxygen, intercept airborne particulates, and reduce smog, enhancing a community’s respiratory health. …
- Climate change: Trees sequester carbon (CO2), reducing the overall concentration of greenhouse gases in the atmosphere. …
- Energy conservation
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Beautifying communities and lessening the urban heat island effect.
Legal considerations
Some of the laws applying to trees are a bit surprising, like the fact that trees can also be a fence, and that property owners are responsible to fix the sidewalk along their property – even if a city tree causes the damage.
There may be both state and local laws controlling fences. If the fences are erected maliciously with the intent to annoy neighbors, they are prohibited by state law (Cal. Civil Code § 841.4) and Sacramento City Code (§ 9.16.070). In Wilson v. Handley, the court found that a line of trees could be considered a “structure in the nature of a fence” for this purpose. State and local building codes may also regulate the height and placement of fences.
Branches and roots from plants on one property that encroach on a neighbor’s property are generally considered a legal nuisance. If the encroaching plant is a tree, before taking action, make sure that it is not protected by Heritage Tree or similar status– you could be committing a misdemeanor by trimming branches or roots without a permit.
Restoring Baltimore’s urban forest through increased tree planting, community engagement, and advocacy, the neighborhoods are protected and improved.
References: canopy.org, 
, saclaw.org