Plantwatch: how urban trees and hedges help cut air pollution

The plants trap polluting particles like natural air filters, and protect against flooding, too

Hedges and trees in towns and cities are more than just attractive, they can behave like natural air filters, trapping traffic pollution made up of dangerous microscopic particles blamed for a range of serious health problems, ranging from heart disease, asthma and strokes to diabetes, obesity and dementia.

A study at Lancaster University showed that silver birch trees maintained as hedges at about the height of an adult person were particularly good at cleaning the air.