If we want to have an immediate, affordable, doable effect on the environment, Asheville needs lots more trees planted to combat the hot summers we've been experiencing, while helping clean the air.
The DOT has removed hundreds of trees along the highways, and we need to take a proactive role in adding more trees back into our environment. Teams of volunteers are needed to spread out across the community, planting shade trees at libraries, fire stations, community centers, parks and along roadways. We also need people to water and care for them.
Property owners can add to the tree canopy by letting volunteer trees that come up in their yards live and thrive, instead of mowing them down. Each tree is precious: Rather than taking them for granted, we need to take an active role in protecting and adding to our urban forest.
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