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Urban planners increasingly view trees as essential infrastructure rather than decorative features. Research suggests that well-designed urban forests can improve public health through several pathways. First, tree canopy reduces surface temperatures by providing shade and supporting evapotranspiration, which can lower heat-related illness during extreme weather. Second, vegetation can improve air quality by trapping particulate matter and absorbing certain pollutants, although benefits depend on species selection and local traffic patterns. Third, access to green spaces is associated with lower stress and higher levels of physical activity, partly because shaded streets and parks encourage walking and social interaction. However, the advantages are not automatic. Poorly maintained trees may worsen pollen exposure, damage sidewalks, or create safety concerns, which can reduce community support. Consequently, experts argue that cities should combine planting targets with long-term maintenance budgets, careful species planning, and equitable distribution across neighborhoods. When managed strategically, urban trees can deliver measurable environmental and health gains at relatively low cost compared with many engineered solutions.