Urban greenspace such as street trees, parks, and rain gardens have a multitude of climate benefits. For instance, trees sequester carbon via photosynthesis and improve air quality, which reduces the risk of respiratory issues. Shading from trees can lower local air temperatures and can therefore reduce the likelihood of heatstroke and other heat-related illnesses. Planting native and drought-resistant trees, shrubs, and plants will also reduce the cost of lawn maintenance and avoid GHG emissions from mowing and leaf-blowing. Additionally, greenspace has a multitude of human health benefits, such as reducing stress, anxiety, and depression while increasing worker productivity. High urban tree canopy cover (a measure of the layer of tree leaves, branches, and stems that provide tree coverage of the ground when viewed from above) is also shown to ensure economic vitality in a given area by attracting new businesses
