The Value of the Urban Tree

Many people view trees as symbolic, representing human traits we are taught to admire (such as wisdom and steadfastness, even in the face of adversity) The sheltering nature of trees suggests parental care, and many people equate their heritage with the deep roots of a tree. But urban trees also serve a number of more practical purposes.

Research shows that trees help reduce stress in the workplace and speed recovery for hospital patients. The presence of community trees is linked to higher property values (as much as 27%), increased tax revenues, increased income levels, faster real estate sales (turnover rates), increased number of jobs and worker productivity, and increased numbers of customers or shoppers.

Because of many variables, determining the economic value of a community tree can be challenging. However, one 1985 study concluded that the annual ecological contribution of an average community tree was $270. While individual trees have value, the variability of species, size, condition, and function makes it even more difficult to determine their economic value. Aesthetics aside, trees provide many economic benefits, both direct and indirect.

Some Direct Benefits

Direct economic benefits are usually associated with energy costs. For example, tree shade can reduce air conditioning costs in residential and commercial buildings by 15 to 50%. Windbreaks can shield homes against wind and snow, reducing heating costs as much as 30%. In city areas without tree cover, streets and parking lots can raise air temperatures as much as 35 degrees. Such "heat islands" can cause cities to be five to nine degrees warmer than surrounding areas. Because of this, formulas are used to estimate monetary values of large trees for landscape and replacement costs. Some trees in the southeastern United States have been valued up to $100,000.

Some Indirect Benefits

The indirect economic benefits of trees are even greater. On average, an acre of trees can store 2.6 tons of carbon (pollution) annually and generate enough oxygen daily for 18 people. As more and more statistics are generated to show how community trees store carbon and clean the atmosphere, models show that in 50 years, one tree can generate $30,000 in oxygen, recycle $35,000 of water, and remove $60,000 of air pollution.

Community tree canopies also intercept, slow, evaporate, and store water through normal tree functions. Studies show that for every 5% of tree cover area added to a community, storm water run-off is reduced by approximately 2%. As tree canopy increases, so does air quality. Meanwhile, there is a decrease in energy costs and storm water runoff.

The facts and statistics are endless when it comes to the benefit of community trees. The benefits go well beyond economics to include sound or noise reduction, visual screening, wind control, water quality, glare reduction, wildlife habitats and, of course, aesthetic quality. The important thing to remember is beauty isn't everything. For more information, call the City Forester at 763-593-8046.

Six Things Trees Do For You Every Day

Improve Air Quality

Tree leaves absorb carbon dioxide and other poisonous atmospheric gases and replenish the air with oxygen for breathing.
The American Forestry Association found that in just one year, a mature tree absorbs 26 pounds of carbon dioxide and cleans up pollution created by a car driven 11,300 miles. That same tree also provides enough oxygen for a family of four to breathe during an entire year.

Improve Water Quality

Trees reduce the impact of rain, which results in less soil erosion and runoff into our storm sewers.
Golden Valley's wooded areas help prevent the transport of sediment and chemicals into creeks and wetland areas.

Save Energy and Money

Properly placed trees can reduce air conditioning needs by 30 percent.
Trees placed properly for windbreak protection can cut the energy used for heating by 25 to 50 percent.

Increase Economic Stability

USDA studies indicate that healthy trees can increase property value by 10 to 20 percent.The National Arbor Day Foundation reports that people spend more time shopping along tree-lined streets.
Apartments and offices in wooded areas tend to rent quicker and have longer leases than treeless locations.

Reduce Noise Pollution

Trees help to absorb loud sounds from freeways and other roads.
Each 100-foot width of trees can absorb about six to eight decibels of sound intensity. This is beneficial to residents along busy highways, which can generate noise levels as high as 72 decibels

Create Wildlife Diversity

Trees provide a suitable habitat for animals and birds that wouldn't survive in Golden Valley without them.