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Urban Forest Benefits: What Trees Do For You

"People who will not sustain trees will soon live in a world which cannot sustain people."
-Bryce Nelson

Trees Improve Quality of Life - Trees create relaxing, beautiful, healthy spaces, absorb traffic noise, calm traffic and increase privacy. Trees Strengthen Communities- The involvement of people in the planting and care of local trees can help build a stronger sense of neighborhood and civic pride. Well-maintained public spaces give the message that neighbors know each other and care for their surroundings, reducing crime. Trees Increase Property Values - A row of mature street trees has been shown to increases property values between 5- 18% (Dec. 2003 UC Davis report estimates that San Francisco street trees increase property values by $ 6.7 million per year). Tree-lined streets are more attractive to current residents and new homebuyers. Tress Save Energy - A recent study at the Center for Urban Forest Research found that strategically planting shade trees could reduce the need for power plants in the long term. Trees Clean the Air - According to the U.S. Forest Service research, through photosynthesis the average tree in a residential neighborhood will annually clean about 330 pounds of carbon dioxide from the air as well as provide enough oxygen for a family of four. Trees trap and hold particulate matter, reducing exposure to toxins which cause asthma and cancer. Trees Help Reduce Global Warming - Trees reduce the emission of carbon dioxide (by decreasing energy needs) and then absorbing the carbon dioxide released from our cars, homes, and power plants. Too much carbon dioxide in our atmosphere is the primary cause of global warming. Trees Decrease Flooding - Trees reduce flooding by helping to reduce runoff. A typical community forest of 10,000 trees will retain approximately 10 million gallons of rainwater per year (U.S. Forest Service Research). San Francisco's ailing sewer system profits from large trees soaking up and cleaning rainwater. Trees Reduce Stress - Urban residents and workers suffering from stress have been found to experience less anger, sadness and insecurity when viewing well-treed surroundings. Trees Help Kids Learn - Studies have shown that students' attention spans are increased when they have a view that includes tress. Trees Grow Business - Research from the University of Washington indicates that "...healthy and well-maintained trees send positive messages about the appeal of a [business] district, the quality of products and what customer service a shopper can expect." People prefer to shop on tree-lined streets and will spend more time and money at these stores. Visitors and local customers spend 12% more at tree-lined stores than at those without trees.