Urban Forest Facts
- Trees add to the aesthetic enjoyment of life. An environment abundant with trees is both healthful and restorative.
- Trees significantly increase real estate values for residential and business properties; an ordinary 36 inch tree can add $30,000 – a special tree can be worth $100,000.
- Trees enhance economic stability by attracting businesses; people linger and shop longer where trees are present.
- Well-landscaped areas experience less crime against people or property.
- Apartments and offices with a canopy of trees rent more quickly and have a higher occupancy rate. Workers report more productivity and less absenteeism.
- Trees save energy. Strategically placed trees can reduce the need for heating in winter and cooling in summer, with energy savings of 15% to 35%.
- A large street tree has the cooling power of ten air conditioner units operating twenty hours a day. Shaded air conditioners operate 10% more efficiently than those in direct sun.
- A windbreak can cut heating cost from 10% to 50%.
- Trees reduce wind intensity and act as a noise buffer.
- Drivers slow down on canopied streets.
- Trees need less water than lawns. Trees also reduce the amount of storm water runoff, which can cause erosion and complicate flood control.
- Birds and other wildlife find welcome habitat in trees.
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Trees reduce the impact of greenhouse gases by removing carbon dioxide
and releasing oxygen. They improve air quality by reducing the formation
of smog, capturing airborne dust particles on their leaves and increasing
humidity.
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2006 Canopy
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