Approximately 75% of Americans live in cities or towns. The growing trend towards urbanization has reduced the tree canopy over large parts of the country. Thanks to an increased awareness and better knowledge, many municipalities across the country are reassessing their relationship to one of their greatest assets–trees. Urban forestry departments are focusing their tree management plans on increasing their cities’ tree canopy by planting loads of trees in an effort to improve its green infrastructure.
However, more than half the land in most cities is privately owned, greatly reducing the role a municipality can play in increasing its tree canopy. Given this fact, homeowners have a major role to play in their urban environment. The simple act of planting and maintaining a tree can benefit the environment in ways that might surprise you. Here’s a list of some of the many benefits of trees:
Environment
- Store as much carbon per acre annually as a car driven 26,000 miles
- Provide stormwater mitigation and filter pollution from entering streams
- Reduce soil erosion
- Cool and humidify the air by releasing water vapor
- Provide a home for wildlife
Health
- Produce enough oxygen per tree for two people to live
- Trap particulate pollutants such as dust, ash, smoke, and pollen
- Reduce stress and improve wellbeing
- Reduce the time patients need to stay in the hospital after an operation when they are located in rooms overlooking trees.
- Increase pedestrian traffic and encourage kids to get outdoors
Economic
- Break up wind and provide shade, reduce air conditioning and heating bills by as much as 10%
- Can increase property value by as much as 18%
- Attract new businesses and residents to a neighborhood
- Businesses experience higher productivity, buildings rent quicker and occupancy rates are higher in highly treed neighborhoods
- People spend more time shopping along tree-lined commercial streets
- Employees who take breaks near trees or even look at trees and natural settings are proven to return to work with higher productivity
Social
- Act as a sound and natural property barrier
- Provide privacy
- Enhance quality of life and provide inspiration, great for tree forts, rope swings and shade
- Block dismal scenery while offering a beautiful, colorful sight
Community
- Reduce glare from vehicles and streetlights
- Improve a neighborhood’s identity, especially in cookie-cutter neighborhoods
- Slow traffic, reducing accidents and minimizing the need for policing
With an impressive list like that, why wouldn’t you plant a tree? Not only would you be doing the environment a favor, you’d be contributing to your health and wellbeing while potentially increasing your property’s value and enhancing your community’s image.
Some municipalities and non-profit organizations provide free trees for local residents. They will either plant it for you or give it to you and teach you how to plant it. Have a look at the resources below to learn more and get a free tree!
Resources
