There’s no denying that Texas summers are hot, and while most people seek shelter in the refreshing waters of a pool, one organization is working outside year-round to cool Texas down. The Texas Trees Foundation’s mission is to bring the community together to reduce the overall temperature of urban areas in Texas by improving our natural environment. Since 1982, the Foundation has planted more than 19,000 trees to benefit the North Texas area. The Foundation shows how communities, businesses, and cities can all work cooperatively to improve the natural environment, one tree at a time.
In 2023, “the hottest areas of Dallas measured an average high of 101°F and a low of nearly 80°F for five full months of the year,” explains the Foundation. Experiencing these high temperatures can wreak havoc on our physical and mental health, as the heat can often feel inescapable. Thankfully, the Foundation offers a simple solution. “Tree planting and preservation have been found to be three and a half times more effective at lowering temperatures than other cool material strategies,” explains Stephanie Butts, the Director of Communications and Engagement at the Foundation.
Planting trees helps our community by providing shade, reducing the “heat island” effect, and improving the mental well-being of residents. According to the Foundation, shaded surfaces can be 15 to 20 degrees cooler than unshaded surfaces at the hottest part of the day, offering a respite for animals and humans alike.
To ensure they make the most impact, the Foundation conducts studies to determine the best locations for their trees. “A huge part of what we do is research. We go into cities and study their urban forest to find where they are lacking trees, where there are large areas of heat, and how we can help them design streetscapes and urban developments in a way that benefits both the health of people and the health of trees,” explains Stephanie.
Stephanie reflects that, “It’s because of this intentional design, backed by research, that we have close to a 90% survival rate of our trees. Our trees last because we are very careful about where and how we plant.”
Local residents and groups are invited to join in by taking part in one of the Foundation’s tree plantings. “Volunteers are really encouraged to get their hands dirty and plant their tree,” stresses Stephanie. These plantings are fun community events filled with music, demonstrations by Foundation members, and a sense of fulfillment. “We provide all the equipment you need to plant trees, including gloves,” assures Stephanie and participants will be, “taught by an urban forester about how to plant a tree properly.”
At tree plantings, Foundation staff members encourage volunteers to name their trees to help each volunteer feel a connection and a sense of pride in their part of making a difference. “Participating in a tree planting and seeing the significant transformation that can occur in an area where there were previously no trees provides a sense of ownership for an area and a sense of belonging that I believe benefit all those who participate,” says Stephanie.
Whether it’s the city of Rockwall celebrating Arbor Day with a planting at City Hall in 2019, or a local family getting a tree donation for their yard, the Foundation proves that great things happen when we all work together. Stephanie reflects, “There’s something truly beautiful about coming together as a community and investing in an area’s natural environment by investing in and planting trees.” Team up with the Texas Trees Foundation and help make North Texas a cooler, greener place to live.
The Texas Trees Foundation invites you to join in and plant trees to help mitigate the urban heat island effect, provide environmental education to all ages and build green infrastructure throughout North Texas. Are you ready? Visit texastrees.org to get involved and learn more about the Texas Trees Foundation.