Community programs promote tree care

Trees provide shade, reduce noise and make cities more attractive, among other benefits, but their survival depends on long-term care from humans. A survey of residents in three California cities found that people who planted trees themselves were more satisfied with the outcome than residents whose trees were planted by a city employee or a developer. Residents who participated in an organized planting program were also more likely to receive information on tree maintenance. Overall, 90% of the program participants received maintenance information, compared with only 16% of the nonparticipants.