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What is that tree worth in your front yard: $200, $10,000? Why are trees important? Do we fully appreciate them or take them for granted?
Trees have value. To see what that tree in your front yard is worth check out the Tree Benefits calculator.
A tree not only holds monetary worth by providing numerous environmental benefits, but also contributes to one’s mental and physical health. Read below to explore the many ways trees hold value.
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Improved Property Value
Houses with trees sell faster. Studies show that properties with well-maintained landscape can increase a home’s value by up to 15%. So if you are looking to increase the value of your home, plant trees.
Street trees increase home values and benefit environment
Heating and Cooling
Deciduous trees in our cities and around our houses provide some tangible energy savings that can be seen on your electricity bill. During the summer months leaves provide shade that keeps the sun’s rays from beating down on our homes. In autumn those leaves fall to the ground allowing sun to penetrate and help warm our houses.
Water Quality
Trees act as giant filters that slow rain down heading for the drain. The less water rushing to the drain the less water that has to be treated, saving money. Trees help to control erosion by holding soil in place during heavy rains and snow melt during spring runoff.
Air Quality
Trees contribute to every breath we take, by absorbing carbon dioxide and producing oxygen. But trees do so much more for air quality; they act as huge filters collecting particulates floating around in the air like dust. Their shade lowers temperatures helping to reduce ozone gases.
Carbon Sequestration
What is Carbon Sequestration? Simply put, it means putting carbon into long-term storage. It is a process by which carbon dioxide is removed from the atmosphere and stored in carbon sinks, like oceans, grasslands, forests, and wetlands. Trees can hold a lot of carbon for a long period of time. As we humans produce a lot of carbon dioxide through burning fossil fuels and other activities, trees are a solution to help mitigate this effect.
To calculate your carbon footprint and come up with ways to reduce, visit the EPA footprint calculator.
Improved Human Health
“Time spent amongst trees is never wasted time.” – Katrina Mayer. The value of trees and their connection to people has been a rising topic in recent research. Studies show that our health, well-being, and overall quality of life are impacted by trees and nature. From stronger communities to reduced crime, trees are an integral part of our lives and are backed by nearly 40 years of scientific studies, many found at the Green Cities: Good Health website.