The U.S. Population is projected to grow by 100 million in the next 50 years. The more people there are, the more space they take up. Some experts say poorly planned developments are the biggest threat to trees in this country. Patches of single family homes now sit where oak and hickory forests once stood.

Deforestation in the U.S. has stabilized over the last 50 years. Many forests are now protected and experts are using new planting techniques.

Another problem with deforestation and urban development is storm water runoff. The blacktop jungle has very little ability to absorb water. That is until now. Universities around the country are experimenting with innovative parking lots, landscape architecture, and green rooftops.

Deforestation is still a major concern world-wide. But the U.S. Is trying to come up with ways to stem the tide. You can make a difference when you buy your next home. Environmentalists suggest buying an existing property instead of new construction.

The United States has lost a quarter of its forests since the 1600s.