Benefits of Urban Trees
Environmental
Energy Savings
Trees have many physical benefits. Trees can regulate temperature. In summer they provide shade, cooling the immediate area 10° to 15°. This benefit can directly reduce cooling costs by one-third to one-half when trees are properly placed on a property.
Heat Island Effect
Trees help to lower the urban “heat island” effect, whereby pavements, buildings, and hard surfaces can raise city temperatures 5° to 9° above surrounding rural areas. Groves of trees can also be used to direct summer breezes. In winter, deciduous trees allow the sun’s radiation to warm the home. Trees can provide windbreaks from northerly winds in the winter
Air pollution
Also, trees provide a modest reduction in air pollution from the environment. Trees absorb carbon dioxide and release oxygen. Leaves on trees work as air cleaners, absorbing carbon dioxide buildup and replacing it with oxygen. They also trap and filter ash, dust, and particles from the air.
Noise Pollution
Filtering and softening noise with trees is somewhat effective, although it appears more psychological than actual decibel reduction. Plant wide rows of trees for best sound reduction.
Erosion Control
Trees and other vegetation protect the soil from erosion by slowing rainfall impact and water runoff. A tree’s complex root system holds the soil together. Trees also contribute leaf debris, which forms a protective mulch for the top layer of soil.
Economic
Economic benefits of trees are often difficult to assess, yet trees add economic value to a property or community. A tree-filled lot is valued more higher than a bare lot, and tree-lined streets in a neighborhood add to the property values of the community without increasing tax valuation.
Saving existing trees in a new development gives a sense of stability to the property and adds monetary value, just as a large park, botanical garden, or nature preserve do to surrounding land values. Visual screening is a great advantage of trees, and proper placement will block unattractive views
Physical and Psychological
Trees also improve quality of life socially and psychologically. Tests have shown that natural environments provide health benefits such as lowering blood pressure and promoting relaxation. Research even indicates that crime rates drop in areas where urban trees have been planted and nurtured by community residents.
Aesthetic
Appearances are usually the first benefit associated with the presence of trees. Trees are an integral part of the urban landscape. They define spaces, unify communities, frame views, and enrich the quality of life with their rich colors, varying textures, form, and size.
Wildlife
Trees and vegetation provide the integration of urban wildlife as part of the human experience in a city setting. Flora and fauna contribute to the urban ecosystem. People enjoy seeing the wildlife, while trees and vegetation provide a habitat for the urban fauna.
Recreational
Residents in urban areas need and desire a retreat to green spaces as a way to remove themselves from daily stress of the city. Parks and nature areas provide neighborhood playground areas and offer city dwellers some contact with nature.
Historical
Trees provide a symbolic link to history. Whether the trees were planted by notable people such as those planted by Andrew Jackson at the Hermitage, or just recall a certain era in history, trees can take on special significance and meaning to everyone who sees one.