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The goal of the LEAF Network is to connect people with the benefits of edible trees, and to connect edible trees with the stewardship of people.

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 BlossomsTrees enhance aesthetics. All trees beautify and improve natural and built environments. Blossoms add special                                      beauty. Photo: Peach                                      blossoms 

Trees provide shade and cooling. Tree canopies provide shade, cool the air, reduce damaging sun exposure and reduce cooling costs. Photo:                                      Shady olive grove

Trees Improve wildlife habitat. Trees provide food, shelter, and nesting sites for birds and other wildlife. Photo: Dove eating fruit

Trees purify air. Leaves absorb carbon dioxide (a heat-trapping gas), release oxygen and intercept air pollutants. Photo:                                          Ironwood tree

Edible trees improve food security. Edible trees increase sustainable local food, enhance variety and improve                                        nutrition. Photo:                                            Canned peaches

Trees build soil and reduce erosion. Organic materials falling from trees support soil life, tree canopies cushion rainfall                                              impact, roots hold                                          soil. Photo: Mulch

Edible trees build community. People gather to care for, harvest, celebrate and learn about trees from one another. Photo: Citrus                                                   harvest 

Trees moderate floods and purify stormwater. Tree roots clean stormwater and improve infiltration, reducing street                                              flooding. Photo:                                             Street curb cut basin

Edible trees save resources. Local foods reduce fuels used to transport food long distances. Native edible trees can grow on rainfall                                        alone. Photos: Local                                        pear harvest

Trees screen negative conditions. All trees screen wind, views, dust and noise.  Photo: Wind break filters strong winds


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. Photo: Locally                                      produced olive oil

CAUTION: Never eat anything that is not properly identified. It is your responsibility to ensure that all fruits, nuts, seeds, pods and other edible products of trees and shrubs are correctly identified and safe to eat before eating them or serving them to others.

Copyright 2023

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





 

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