Section outline
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Urbanization has led to significant economic and social benefits, but as many recent studies suggested, also brought chronic health conditions linked to urban living. While cities have been increasingly associated with high prevalence of diseases such as asthma, allergies, autoimmune disorders, and inflammatory conditions, all linked to immune system dysfunction - urban forests, described as the lungs of cities, emerge as a important resource not only for environmental health but also for human well-being. Far more than just the trees, they are dynamic ecosystems filled with life, including invisible yet vitally important microbial communities. These microbiomes thriving in soil, air, leaves and water are an integral part of the larger urban microbiome, having a vital role in supporting ecosystem balance and human health. As cities expand and ecosystems face pressures from urbanization, understanding the urban forest microbiomes and their impact to environmental and human well-being is essential (4,14,12).