What is the Value of Planting a Tree (Why Trees?)

1. What is the Value of Planting a Tree (Why Trees?)

2. An Investment in the Future a commitment to invest small amounts now • …over time will have tremendous pay back.

3. One large live oak can provide $3,800 in net benefits over a 40 year period.

4. Benefits • Air Quality • Energy Conservation • Urban Heat Islands • Stormwater Management • Quality of Life

5. 8 - County Regional Urban Forest Trees annually remove over 60,000 tons of air pollutants valued at over $295 million . Trees annually provide $131 million in residential energy savings and avoided carbon emissions

6. Heat Islands Trees can reduce surrounding air temperatures by as much as 9o F. Temperatures directly under trees can be as much as 25oF cooler than nearby asphalt pavement.

7. Energy Conservation Properly placed trees can reduce summer energy usage by more than 30%.

8. Stormwater Management Studies have shown that the region’s Urban Forests can save $1.3 billion in avoided retention/detention costs For every 5% increase in canopy coverage, stormwater drainage is reduced by 2%.

9. Air Quality Streets lined with mature trees may have as little as 100 to 3000 dust particles per liter of air while streets without trees have 10,000 to 12,000 dust particles per liter

10. Quality of Life According to several University studies, trees can provide mental and physical health benefits, increase real estate values, increase community pride and increase sales in retail centers.

11. Economic Benefits • Consumer ratings are significantly higher for business/retail centers with trees. • Amenity and comfort ratings were 80% higher for a tree-lined sidewalk • Quality of product ratings were 30% higher • Customer service issue ratings were 30% higher • Consumers are more likely to stay longer, shop more and spend more for goods in well landscaped and treed businesses than in businesses with no trees

12. So, What is the Real Value of Planting a Tree?