Trees have long been a valued feature of the urban landscape. They provide a host of benefits such as habitat, aesthetics, energy savings, and noise reduction. Trees are also an important part of the urban hydrologic cycle. The functions and value of trees have recently gained attention as viable tools in the management of urban stormwater. Research on the interactions between urban trees and stormwater quantity and quality has revealed a double-edged sword. A community with dense overhead tree canopy may benefit from reduced stormwater runoff volume through interception, transpiration, and infiltration but may also suffer from excess nutrients leached to nearby receiving waters from leaf litter. This presentation will highlight ongoing research that will help environmental managers assess how municipal leaf collection and street cleaning programs can limit the amount of phosphorus in stormwater runoff.

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