Trees mean cleaner water

Vegetation and plant debris slow surface runoff encouraging sediment and sediment-bound contaminants to settle before entering surface water. Root growth and plant residue improve soil structure which enhances infiltration of dissolved contaminants.

Once in the soil, contaminants can be immobilized, transformed by soil microbes, or

taken up by vegetation. Groundwater flowing through the root zone is also filtered by these

processes. Additionally, trees can trap windblown dust before it enters streams and lakes.