The Digital Press

Street trees in Montreal survive drought better than park trees because they absorb water leaking from old city pipes, according to new research. This unexpected water source helps street trees stay hydrated despite limited rainwater availability.

Why it matters: Street trees benefit from leaky pipes, which provide a crucial water supply during dry spells, enhancing urban greenery resilience.

Stunning stat: Montreal loses 500 million liters of water daily through leaking pipes that sustain street trees.

The big picture: Urban infrastructure problems like pipe leaks inadvertently support street tree survival, challenging assumptions about tree health in parks versus streets.

Commenters say: Many note the irony of aging, leaky infrastructure aiding trees, express concern about water waste, and debate broader impacts on human health and city planning.