More than just aesthetically pleasing plant to any home garden, trees are extremely beneficial to the environment. In urban settings, like San Antonio, trees help prevent a rise in temperature across the city landscape.
Over the summer months temperatures in San Antonio frequently exceeded 100 degrees Fahrenheit. In urban core, sidewalks, roads and buildings can capture and retain heat, which then raises the overall temperature a few more degrees, creating urban heat islands. Trees are strategically planted to help combat the urban heat island effect.
Outside of providing shade, trees also provide oxygen, are home to several insects and animals and depending on the tree species- can be a resource for food.
What is being done to protect and maintain the tree canopy in San Antonio? What are the best ways to care for trees in home gardens?
What are the greatest threats to trees in San Antonio? What are the symptoms for the most common tree diseases in the region? How many trees does the City of San Antonio manage? How many trees are native to Texas?
The San Antonio Parks and Recreation Department will be hosting Arbor Day for SA on Saturday, Nov. 2 at Olmos Basin Park.
Guests:
- Mark Bird, arborist for the City of San Antonio Development Services Department
- Mark Kroeze, regional community forester for Texas A&M Forest Service
- Ross Hosea, forester for the City of San Antonio Parks and Recreation Department
"The Source" is a live call-in program airing Mondays through Thursdays from 12-1 p.m. Leave a message before the program at (210) 615-8982. During the live show, call 210-614-8980, email thesource@tpr.org or tweet @TPRSource.
*This interview was recorded on Thursday, October 24.