There is an inherent understanding that roads, bridges, and water systems are vital to a functioning society. Their value is obvious, their absence is disruptive, and their failure can be catastrophic. As we work to build more resilient cities—addressing everything from severe storms and extreme heat to public health—we have an urgent opportunity to reinforce our aging gray infrastructure with something more green, literally.

True infrastructure resilience is rooted in trees. And we need to continue transitioning from a model that uses trees as tools for beautification to one that emphasizes their importance for biological resilience and infrastructural strength. 

Beyond their symbolic and feel-good appeal, trees serve as critical infrastructure in our neighborhoods. They cool our cities, reduce stormwater runoff, improve air quality, lower energy costs, and even extend the lifespan of other infrastructure. When a system provides this much essential value, it can no longer be categorized as a “nice-to-have” accessory; it should be managed as a “must-have” utility.

Trees are one of the few investments that deliver returns across environmental, economic,........

© Time