What will you discover?
How much air pollution can a tree actually remove?
Key takeaways
- Leaves act like sticky filters that catch dust from passing air.
- Trees also cool streets, and cooler air holds less smog.
- Rain washes trapped dust off leaves back to the ground.
- Planting trees works best alongside cutting pollution, not instead of it.
Questions this video answers
How much pollution can one tree remove?
Only a small amount each year, which is why streets and neighbourhoods need many trees, not one.
Are some trees better than others?
Trees with rough, hairy or waxy leaves catch more dust than trees with smooth, shiny leaves.
Take the learning further
Wipe a leaf from a roadside tree with a damp white cloth, then wipe a leaf from a park tree. Compare the marks on the cloth.
