Communities worldwide are planting trees as evidence grows of their benefits, with research being done here in New Zealand.
While Hāwera has 7.5% tree canopy, Picton has nearly 59%. The average across all NZ towns and cities is 19%.
University of Canterbury School of Forestry Professor Justin Morgenroth has been measuring tree-canopy coverage across the motu. He has provided estimates to councils of the leafiness of over 75 Kiwi towns and cities, for climate change mitigation, reduction of air pollution, improved water quality and better habitat for wildlife.
Photo: Justin Morganroth
