Trees provide The Green City with a framework. With so many leaves, trees are very effective at filtering pollutants from the air. Deciduous trees such as Quercus robur (European Oak) are especially effective in absorbing gaseous pollutants such as ozone and nitrous oxide. Conifers such as Pinus nigra (Austrian Pine) lead the way in removing particulates from the air.
Using various tree species provides even more benefits: they are also beautiful to look at. Good examples are Platanus x hispanica (London Plane) with its attractive bark, and Liquidambar styraciflua (American Sweetgum) with its flaming autumn colours. Sophora japonica (Japanese Pagoda Tree) is a good nectar-producing plant that contributes to biodiversity.
Examples:
Quercus robur (European Oak), Pinus nigra (Austrian Pine), Pinus sylvestris (Scots Pine), Ginkgo biloba (Ginkgo Tree), Platanus x hispanica (London Plane), Liquidambar styraciflua (American Sweetgum), Sophora japonica (Japanese Pagoda Tree), Prunus (Ornamental Cherry), Robinia (Black Locust), Sorbus (Rowan), Ailanthus altissima (Tree of Heaven), Tilia (Linden Tree), Betula utilis (Himalayan Birch)