the oppressive heat made the city a breeding ground for bacteria like cholera

Humanity has been uncovering these arboreal benefits for centuries.But trees aren’t just crucial to the health of a city’s infrastructure;they play a vital role in the health of its citizens as well.In the 1870’s, Manhattan had few trees outside the island’s parks.Without trees to provide shade,buildings absorbed up to nine times more solar radiation during deadly summer heat waves.
Combined with the period’s poor sanitation standards,the oppressive heat made the city a breeding ground for bacteria like cholera.