What if communities planned for trees with the same care they give to roads, pipes, and pavement? This article explores the role of trees as green infrastructure and the many benefits they provide, from reducing stormwater runoff and urban heat to improving aesthetics and supporting more resilient communities. It also offers practical considerations for choosing, placing, and maintaining trees alongside existing infrastructure.

Article originally printed in Reporter, August 2026
Author: Evelyn Stasinopoulos
ISA Certified Arborist #IL-382151A
Community Coordinator
Chicago Region Trees Initiative
The Morton Arboretum Lisle