The City of Guelph’s urban forest has been recognized as a visual amenity, and for its environmental benefits, for many years. However, with the mounting pressures of population growth and climate change (locally and globally) trees in cities must be recognized as more than just an amenity. The urban forest needs to be identified specifically as “green infrastructure”, considered a vital component of a municipality’s infrastructure, and allocated adequate resources in both the short and long term to ensure that it is maintained to maximize its current and future benefits. Notably, this green infrastructure is comprised of trees on both public and private property. Read more.