 The Value of Trees
 Water Quality
Healthy trees in our communities improve our environment. In addition to the visual impact of trees, tree canopies and root systems provide a natural filter to our water supply and reduce storm water runoff , flooding, and erosion.
1 Million Trees = $3.5 Million in Annual Stormwater Runoff Costs*
 Air Quality
Trees are natural air filters, too. Their foliage reduces particulate matter from the air, including dust, micro sized metals, and pollutants such as ozone, nitrogen oxides, ammonia and sulfur dioxides. Trees take in carbon dioxide and produce oxygen. Combined with the cooling effect of trees, these processes can have a significant impact on reducing smog and overall air pollution. Every 40 trees removes 80 lbs. of air pollutants annually.
1 Million Trees = $5 Million in Annual Air Pollution Clean-up*
 Energy
Trees cool the air naturally from the effects of water evaporating from leaves and from direct shade. Moisture combined with shade results in cooler air. Homes shaded by trees need less energy for cooling, which in turn means lower monthly utility bills in the summer and a reduced need for utilities to increase power generation to meet peak load demand. Four trees planted around each home could save up to 30% on summer cooling costs.
1 Million Trees = $10 Million in Annual Energy Savings*
 Real Estate
Shaded neighborhoods and well-landscaped yards have a positive economic influence on real estate values, timeliness of house sales and neighborhood desirability. Studies report that landscaping speeds the sale of a home by four to six weeks. In Sacramento, a homeowner’s mature valley oak may be appraised at $20,000 or greater.
1 Front Yard Tree = 1% Increase in Home Sale Price*
 Business
Trees are good for business. Research shows that consumers respond positively to shopping environments with healthy urban forests.
Shaded Business District = 11% Increase in Business**
*Center for Urban Forest Research, Pacific Southwest Research Station, US Forest Service, Davis, CA.
**Center for Urban Horticulture, Fact sheet #5, University of Washington
To use this information as a flier or as a handout, please download "The Value of Trees."
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• Become an advocate for more trees in your community |
