Our City Forest - Planting Our Future Document

Trees Are A Wise Investment

Trees are major capital assets in our cities. Like streets, sidewalks, sewers, and buildings, the urban forest is a critical and valuable component of the urban infrastructure. Notably, city trees are the only capital improvements that increase in value over time. And in cities, trees are fourteen times more valuable than their rural counterparts due to benefits that address urban conditions. A study of arid Tucson, AZ, showed that for every $1 spent to maintain trees, $2.62 worth of benefits were returned in the form of air-conditioning energy savings, dust reduction, and the slowing of stormwater runoff.

Trees are on the job 24 hours a day. They are nature's air conditioners. They soothe both our pocketbooks and our souls. They give a lot and ask very little in return. Trees - whether planting young ones or caring for mature ones - are one of the wisest investments cities can make for the future.

Trees Save Energy

• A single mature tree provides the cooling equivalent of five average room air conditioners running 12 hours per day.

• Trees serve as windbreaks to save from 10 to 50% in energy used for heating.

• Strategically placed shade trees can reduce air conditioning costs from 10 to 50%.

Trees Cool Hot Cities

• The collective cooling effect of trees reduces city temperatures 3 to 10 degrees.

• Trees increase humidity in dry climates through evaporation of moisture.

• Trees reduce glare on sunny days.

Trees Are Good For Our Health

• Trees shorten post-operative hospital stays when patients are placed in rooms with a view of trees and open spaces.

• Shade trees provide protection from harmful sun rays.

• Trees filter air contaminants, giving us cleaner air to breathe.

• Trees create feelings of relaxation and well-being.

• Trees provide privacy and a sense of solitude and security.

• Trees absorb and soften irritating noise from the urban environment.

Trees Make Our Cities Beautiful

• Trees add natural character to our cities.

• Trees provide us with colors, flowers, and beautiful shapes, forms and textures.

• Trees screen harsh urban views.

• Trees soften the outline of masonry, metal and glass.

• Trees can provide space definition and landscape continuity.

Trees Reduce Carbon Dioxide Emissions

• Trees absorb CO2 and other dangerous gases and, in turn, replenish the atmosphere with oxygen.

• Trees absorb enough CO2 on each acre, over a year's time, to equal the amount you produce when you drive your car 26,000 miles.

• A typical healthy tree can remove up to 48 pounds of carbon dioxide from the air every year.

• Trees reduce air conditioning needs by shading our homes and buildings, thereby reducing the amount of fossil fuels burned to produce electricity.

Trees Clean The Air and Give Us Oxygen

• Trees help to filter dirt, ash, pollen and smoke that can damage human lungs.

• Trees produce enough oxygen on each acre for 19 people every day.

Trees Conserve Water and Reduce Soil Erosion

• Trees reduce surface runoff of water from storms.

• Trees reduce soil erosion and sedimentation of streams.

• Tress increase ground water recharge that is significantly reduced by paving.

• Trees reduce the amount of grease and oil transported to streams, a major source of ocean pollution.

• Trees reduce wind erosion of soil.

• Trees shade other plants, decreasing their water requirements.

Trees Increase Economic Stability

• Trees enhance community economic stability by attracting businesses and tourists.

• People linger and shop longer along tree-lined streets.

• Apartments and offices with trees rent more quickly, have higher occupancy rates and tenants stay longer.

• Businesses leasing office space in developments with mature trees find their workers are more productive and absenteeism is reduced.

• Planting and caring for trees provides jobs.

Trees Help Wildlife and Plants

• Trees help create ecosystems that provide habitat and food for birds and animals.

• Trees create special conditions and protection for plant life that otherwise would not exist in an urban setting.

Trees Increase Property Values

• Houses on tree-lined streets command prices that are 21 percent higher than houses in more barren areas.

• Houses with their own mature landscaping sell faster than those without and command a higher price.

• Office & industrial sites which include mature trees are in greater demand and are more valuable.

Trees Have Social and Educational Value

• Community tree plantings foster community spirit and neighborhood pride.

• Tree plantings bring people together - often for the first time.

• Trees provide settings for picnics, conversation and games.

• Trees are like people - they come from all over the world; trees can be specially selected to foster cultural pride and awareness and a connection to our friends and relatives in other parts of the world.

• Trees in cities provide a connection to nature.

• Trees provide educational opportunities for adults and children.

• Cities with beautiful urban forests are given high regard throughout the world.

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