Value and Benefits of Trees

Trees are the original “multi-taskers”
save energy
improve air quality
provide habitat
better quality of life
neighborhood stability
aesthetic values
increase property value
reduce noise
good for business
reduce stormwater runoff
USDA Forest Service Urban Watershed Forestry Manual, Part 1
One acre of forest absorbs six tons of carbon dioxide and puts
out four tons of oxygen.
- US Department of Agriculture
The net cooling effect of a young, healthy tree is equivalent to
ten room size air conditioners operating 20 hours a day.
- US Department of Agriculture
The Benefit of Trees….
For Building Community
After a tornado destroyed more than 800 trees in Cardington,
Ohio, citizens organized a tree restoration committee which
solicited donations and memorials. Volunteers who learned of
the tree planting through local newspaper articles appeared on
Arbor Day to wrap trunks, water, mulch, and stake 40 large trees
which were planted along major streets.
Even though trees may be on private property, their size often makes
them part of the community as well.
We like trees around us because they make life more pleasant.
Most of us respond to the presence of trees beyond simply
observing their beauty. We feel serene, peaceful, restful, and
tranquil in a grove of trees.
The economic benefits of trees can be both direct and indirect.
Direct economic benefits are usually associated with energy
costs.
"Trees can be a stimulus to economic development, attracting
new business and tourism. Commercial retail areas are more
attractive to shoppers, apartments rent more quickly, tenants
stay longer, and space in a wooded setting is more valuable to
sell or rent.“
—The Arbor Day Foundation
For the Environment
Streambank Stabilization – trees anchor large amounts of
soil and can protect streambanks from erosion and flooding.
Biodiversity – allowing for the protection of various species,
native and rare plants
Visual screens – buffering communities and residents from
unattractive sights. Trees soften the hardscape of fences and
walls.
Non-point source pollution – serving as riparian buffers
that filter out contaminants.
"The planting of trees means improved water quality, resulting in less
runoff and erosion. This allows more recharging of the ground water supply.
Wooded areas help prevent the transport of sediment and chemicals into
streams.”
—USDA Forest Service
Whether you plant trees around your home
and property, in your community, or in our
national forests, they help fight global
warming.
Through the natural process of
photosynthesis, trees absorb CO2 and other
pollutant particulates, then store the carbon
and emit pure oxygen.
Neighborhood and street trees provide shade for streets and
parking areas, add to the value of your property, cool the air,
and absorb carbon dioxide.
Planting the right trees around your home saves energy
- National Arbor Day Foundation
For Working Landscapes
Riparian Buffers
Living snow fences
Streambank protection
Windbreaks
Bio-swale in parking areas
Homeowners, farmers, and other landowners with
streams on their property are increasingly considering
creating conservation buffers or maintaining existing
forest corridors as an inexpensive, natural way to
beautify and conserve their land and natural resources.
Let’s not be this…..
Suburbia is where the developer bulldozes out the trees, then names
the streets after them. ~Bill Vaughn
Let’s be this….
The true meaning of life is to plant trees under whose shade we do not
expect to sit.
- Nelson Henderson
Thank You