City Cast Austin logo
September 10, 2025

Can Austin’s Trees Keep Up With Our Pollution?

City Cast Austin

Can Austin’s Trees Keep Up With Our Pollution?

00:00:00
View all City Cast Austin episodes

Austin claims to be an environmentally-friendly city — and based on our local tree canopy, that’s mostly warranted. But zooming in, it’s clear that trees are more dense on the west side than in East Austin. Tree-huggers are paying attention, though, and regularly work to make things better — including by holding the annual Tree of the Year awards (nominations are still open, by the way). Host Nikki DaVaughn is joined by TreeFolks’ Executive Director Andrew W. Smiley to talk about Austin’s latest Tree Canopy Report, how our canopy compares to those in other cities across the country, and why it matters. 

Learn more about the sponsors of this September 10th episode:

Want some more Austin news? Then make sure to sign up for our Hey Austin newsletter. 

And don’t forget– you can support this show and get great perks by becoming a City Cast Austin Neighbor at membership.citycast.fm 

Follow us @citycastaustin

You can also text us or leave a voicemail. 

Interested in advertising with City Cast? Find more info HERE 

This episode originally aired on May 12. 

Subscribe To Our Newsletter

Hey Austin

Stay connected to City Cast Austin and get ready to join the local conversation.

Can't subscribe? Turn off your ad blocker and try again.

Latest Episodes

See all
October 8

Will Zilker Park Be OK? Plus, a Red River Rivalry Preview and a "Brothers" Review

One of the greatest rivalries in college football takes center stage this weekend when the Texas Longhorns and the Oklahoma Sooners play...

City Cast Austin podcast episode art
October 6

The Future of Austin Parks, Your Local Election Guide, and Town Lake vs. Lady Bird Lake

If you turned on lights this morning, took a shower, or rode your bike, the decisions the Austin City Council makes affect you! The Austi...

City Cast Austin podcast episode art
October 1

Is It Finally Fall? Plus, ACL Hot Takes & Austin's New Budget

It's finally raining! After a dry, hot, and record-breaking September, Austin temperatures are falling into the correct season at long la...

City Cast Austin podcast episode art
September 29

Why Did DPS Arrest a City Council Candidate? Plus, Local DJ on ACL & Airport Updates

Misael Ramos, a candidate for Austin City Council, was out walking his dog when state troopers arrested him, days after he attended a pro...

City Cast Austin podcast episode art
September 24

The Secret to P. Terry's Success, ICE Shooting Investigation, and TribFest

Austin royalty is on the podcast, y’all. Patrick and Kathy Terry, the founders of P. Terry’s, join host Miles Bloxson to talk about the o...

City Cast Austin podcast episode art
September 22

What We Know About Austin's ICE Shooting. Plus, AISD Latest and HAAM Day

A federal immigration agent shot and injured a 28-year-old man from Venezuela in North Austin on Sunday. The shooting sparked outrage fro...

City Cast Austin podcast episode art
September 9

Join the Austin Conversation

Join host Miles Bloxson and the award-winning City Cast Austin team as they dig into the stories, conversations, and places Austin's obse...

City Cast Austin podcast episode art
April 27

An Update From City Cast Austin

The City Cast Austin podcast is taking a brief break over the next few months to regroup and develop some new concepts. In the meantime,...

City Cast Austin podcast episode art
April 24

City’s Controversial Encampment Crackdown, Firefighter Wins in Court, & Austin’s Viral Owlet

The City of Austin is considering changing how it responds to homeless encampments, including deploying daily cleanup teams. But after a...

City Cast Austin podcast episode art
April 23

Is Austin Really a Blues City?

Decades ago, Stevie Ray Vaughan brought the Texas Blues to town — but since then, Austin has birthed a well-known blues festival and kept...

City Cast Austin podcast episode art