Benefits of Trees

Trees make Georgia communities more livable and attractive. They provide economic, environmental and social benefits that translate into measureable dollar values. Many different methods have been used by community forest managers and researchers during the past 20 years to calculate and communicate the value of trees to decision makers and to the public. Some of those findings and their applications are summarized here.

Trees reduce energy usage and cooling and heating costs. If properly placed for optimal shading of buildings and air conditioners trees can provide a significant decrease in summer cooling costs. During the winter season, a thick evergreen canopy will buffer against cold winds, while a deciduous tree will allow the warmth of sunlight where shade is desired in the summers. In urban areas, trees help combat the temperature increases caused by hardscape materials.

Trees reduce soil erosion. Trees can reduce sediment movement from a site by 95%. This not only keeps our lakes, rivers and streams cleaner, but also reduces the amount of soil loss into stormwater systems.

Trees reduce stormwater runoff and the amount and costs of engineered water control structures. The value of trees can be measured as the reduction in construction and material costs for stormwater control structures and systems, because trees intercept from 7% to 22% of precipitation.

Trees clean the air producing oxygen and absorbing airborne pollutants and particulates. A large, healthy tree can produce enough oxygen each day for 18 people. Trees reduce pollution by absorbing many of the pollutants produced in cities – carbon monoxide, sulfur dioxide, nitrogen dioxide, and various particulates, including dust. Deciduous trees remove up to 9% and evergreen trees up to 13% of airborne particulate matter.

Trees store carbon. Trees can absorb and store an average of 13 pounds of carbon per tree, per year. A community forest can store as much as 2.6 tons of carbon per acre per year. Community trees across the United States store 6.5 million tons per year.

Trees increase property values. For a single home, trees can provide an owner with a 4% to 27% increase in property value. A single tree can add up to 9% to the value of a residential property. One study has shown that each hardwood tree on a site adds $333 to the property value, each large hardwood adds $336, and each pine adds $257. Trees also attract more residents and visitors to a community, adding value by increasing the community’s tax and economic base.

Trees attract people to businesses. Trees contribute to the value of commercial properties. In addition, several studies have shown that shoppers are drawn to commercial and retail businesses that are landscaped with trees; businesses on tree-scaped streets show 20% higher income streams. Occupancy rates for commercial establishments tend to be more stable where there is landscaping and where parking lots have trees that provide shade.

Trees improve traffic flow and road safety. Contrary to popular myths, properly placed and spaced urban street trees actually improve motorist safety, slowing speed by 3 to 15 mph and reducing run-off-the road crashes and overall crash severity.  Street trees help to divide the roadway from the sidewalk improving pedestrian safety.

Trees decrease crime. By creating more pleasant walking environments trees encourage more pedestrian traffic, neighborhood interaction and pride of place improving surveillance of community spaces.  

Trees benefit human health and comfort. Well canopied areas show a decreased need for rain gear and chemical sunblock while temperature differentials of 5-15 degrees are felt when walking under tree lined streets. By absorbing airborne pollutants and ground level ozone, trees benefit those with asthma and allergies. Psychologically, trees have been shown to reduce blood pressure levels, encourage physical activity, speed medical recovery times and improve the attention of those with ADHD. 

Trees make sense in Georgia’s communities. Trees should receive the same priority in cities as other components of urban infrastructure. They perform vital functions that make urban areas more desirable for residents and businesses.

The information on this page came from the Georgia Urban Forest Council’s brochure, “The Value of Tree Canopy in Georgia’s Communities”. The information was compiled from a variety of sources, including the National Arbor Day Foundation, the International Society of Arboriculture and the University of Georgia Cooperative Extension Service. An earlier version of the brochure was produced by the City of Covington and funded by and Urban and Community Forestry Assistance Grant from the USDA Forest Service and the Georgia Forestry Commission, and was written by Constance P. Head, Consulting Urban Forester, Technical Forestry Services. Additional information was added from “22 Benefits of Street Trees” by Dan Burden, Partner and Senior Urban Designer with Glatting Jackson Kercher and Anglin.