Why are they so important?
Urban and community forests include the trees along roads and highways, in our parks, and in our neighborhoods. They provide a wide range of economic, environmental and aesthetic benefits to society and greatly improve our quality of life.
Economic and Energy Conservation Benefits Provided by Trees:
- Property values may increase by an average of 10%
- The value of an average healthy street tree = $2,000
- Retail sales in areas where trees are incorporated into the landscape are increased
- Tree windbreaks can reduce winter heating costs by 20-30%
- Shade trees reduce the exterior surface temperatures of buildings by 16° Fahrenheit,
greatly cutting air conditioning costs - A single tree will absorb one ton of carbon dioxide over its lifetime
Social and Health Benefits Provided by Trees:
- Nourish the human spirit
- Provide limitless recreational opportunities for young and old
- Offer a sense of history and place
- Please the senses
- Relieve stress and contribute to a sense of relaxation
- Improve medical recovery and convalescence
- Reduce domestic conflicts
- Lower school aggression
- Provide a sense of community
Environmental Benefits Provided by Trees:
- Remove atmospheric carbon dioxide
- Reduce airborne pollutants
- Absorb rainwater runoff
- Filter and cleanse runoff before it enters streams and reservoirs
- Reduce soil erosion and improve filtration
- Act as a buffer against harsh winds
- Provide shade from the sun
- Ameliorate the thermal impact of paved surfaces
- Hold soil to reduce sedimentation choking aquatic vegetation
- Act as sanctuaries for understory plants
- Provide important habitat for wildlife
- Reduce noise pollution
How can we save our community forests?
- Educate yourself and others about our urban forest benefits
- Do not clear cut your property of trees
- Maintain trees in your own backyard
- Support tree protection efforts and local ordinances
- Sponsor environmental education programs
- Hold an Arbor Day or Earth Day celebration
- Plant a tree!