LEAF Network Linking Edible Arizona Forests

The LEAF Network is a community-based organization with the mission to link people with the benefits of edible trees and support edible trees with people’s stewardship.

Benefits of Edible Trees

Click Here for a PDF Benefits of Edible Trees

All trees provide benefits to people and the environment. Edible trees add even more value.

PEACH BLOSSOMS
Trees enhance aesthetics. All trees beautify and improve natural and built environments. Blossoms add special beauty.

SHADY OLIVE GROVE
Trees provide shade and cooling. Tree canopies provide shade, cool the air, reduce damaging sun exposure and reduce cooling costs.

DOVE EATING FRUIT
Trees Improve wildlife habitat. Trees provide food, shelter, and nesting sites for birds and other wildlife.

IRONWOOD TREE
Trees purify air. Leaves absorb carbon dioxide (a heat-trapping gas), release oxygen and intercept air pollutants.

HOME-CANNED PEACHES
Edible trees improve food security. Edible trees increase sustainable local food supplies, enhance dietary variety and improve nutrition.

LEAF MULCH
Trees build soil and reduce erosion. Organic materials falling from trees aid in the growth of soil life. Tree canopies cushion the impact of raindrops. Roots hold soil in place.

COMMUNITY CITRUS HARVESTING EVENT
Edible trees build community. People gather to care for, harvest, celebrate and learn about trees from one another.

STREET CURB CUT AND BASIN
Trees moderate floods and purify stormwater. Tree roots clean stormwater and improve infiltration so rain nourishes plants instead of flooding streets.

LOCAL PEAR HARVEST
Edible trees save resources. Local foods reduce fuels used to transport food long distances. Native edible trees can grow on rainfall alone.

WIND BREAK FOR STRONG WINDS COMING FROM THE LEFT
Trees screen negative conditions. All trees screen wind, views, dust and noise.

LOCAL OLIVE OIL HARVEST
Trees provide economic benefits. Trees produce structural wood, fuel, food, medicinal products and fiber and increase property values. Edible trees add community food sources and provide commercial food crops.

LEAF is under the fiduciary stewardship of the Arizona Community Tree Council, a 501(c)3 non-profit organization.

70 S Val Vista Drive, Suite A3-186, Gilbert, AZ 85296

EQUAL OPPORTUNITY

This website and other LEAF Network products shown here was prepared under the Diverse Urban Forest grant, WCG 14-501, administered by the Arizona Community Tree Council. Funds for this project were provided by the Urban and Community Forestry Financial Assistance Program administered through Arizona Department of Forestry and Fire Management – Urban and Community Forestry Program and the U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) Forest Service. In accordance with Federal law and USDA policy, this institution is prohibited from discriminating on the basis of race, color, national origin, sex, age, or disability (Not all prohibited basis applies to all programs). To file a complaint of discrimination, write USDA, director, Office of Civil Rights, Room 326-W, Whitten Building, 1400 Independence Avenue, SW, Washington, DC 20250-9410 or call (202) 720-5964 (voice and TDD). USDA is an equal opportunity provider and employer.