Month: March 2013

New Jersey lost half a million trees as a result of Superstorm Sandy.  Utility workers removed over 100,000 fallen trees to restore power to our residents and an estimated 400,000 more trees came down in our parks, forests, and on private property. As New Jersey rebuilds, the New Jersey Tree Foundation is planting trees to restore our community and urban forests. You can support us in this effort to plant trees, dune grass, shrubs, and other greenery in coastal towns.

Trees are a critical part of New Jersey’s recovery from Hurricane Sandy. Here are 10 reasons why:

1. On average, a 5-foot tall tree intercepts 25 gallons of rainwater annually. Ten thousand trees will intercept 250,000 gallons of rainwater immediately, and 800,000 gallons within just five years.
2. Trees cool our cities while combatting the greenhouse effect as their leaves provide shade on concrete streets and sidewalks.
3. Trees naturally clean our air and waterways, provide oxygen, and conserve energy.
4. Trees help prevent water pollution and soil erosion.
5. Trees protect our children from ultra-violet rays.
6. Trees help us heal when we are sick by reducing symptoms of common illnesses such as asthma.
7. Trees create economic benefits by adding value to our homes.
8. Trees reduce violence in our cities as evidenced by a 2001 study of vegetation and crime by Frances Kuo and William Sullivan.
9. Trees provide habitat for wildlife.
10. Trees add unity to our neighborhoods and bring diverse groups of people together, which the New Jersey Tree Foundation witnesses first hand through our community tree plantings.

Trees can help us all heal from the devastation of Hurricane Sandy.  It is our goal to plant at least 10,000 trees in coastal towns affected by Hurricane Sandy. We hope that you will partner with us to restore New Jersey’s natural beauty!