To Tree or Not to Tree

Mature Tree Shading Windows

Trees are a very valuable part of our community, both in an environmental and cultural way. Learn how to save some money and our environment. Here a some things to keep in mind about our shade providing friends.

"The net cooling effect of a young, healthy tree is equivalent to ten
room-size air conditioners operating 20 hours a day."—U.S. Department of
Agriculture

"Landscaping can reduce air conditioning costs by up to 50 percent, by
shading the windows and walls of a home." — American Public Power
Association

"If you plant a tree today on the west side of your home, in 5 years
your energy bills should be 3% less. In 15 years the savings will be
nearly 12%." —Dr. E. Greg McPherson, Center for Urban Forest Research

"A mature tree can often have an appraised value of between $1,000 and
$10,000." —Council of Tree and Landscape Appraisers

"In one study, 83% of realtors believe that mature trees have a "strong
or moderate impact" on the salability of homes listed for under
$150,000; on homes over $250,000, this perception increases to 98%."
—Arbor National Mortgage& American Forests

"Landscaping, especially with trees, can increase property values as
much as 20 percent." —Management Information Services/ICMA

"One acre of forest absorbs six tons of carbon dioxide and puts out four
tons of oxygen. This is enough to meet the annual needs of 18
people."—U.S. Department of Agriculture

"There are about 60-to 200- million spaces along our city streets where
trees could be planted. This translates to the potential to absorb 33
million more tons of CO2 every year, and saving $4 billion in energy
costs."—National Wildlife Federation

"Trees properly placed around buildings can reduce air conditioning
needs by 30 percent and can save 20 - 50 percent in energy used for
heating."—USDA Forest Service

"Trees can be a stimulus to economic development, attracting new
business and tourism. Commercial retail areas are more attractive to
shoppers, apartments rent more quickly, tenants stay longer, and space
in a wooded setting is more valuable to sell or rent."—The Arbor Day
Foundation

"Healthy, mature trees add an average of 10 percent to a property's
value."—USDA Forest Service

"The planting of trees means improved water quality, resulting in less
runoff and erosion. This allows more recharging of the ground water
supply. Wooded areas help prevent the transport of sediment and
chemicals into streams."—USDA Forest Service

"In laboratory research, visual exposure to settings with trees has
produced significant recovery from stress within five minutes, as
indicated by changes in blood pressure and muscle tension."—Dr. Roger S.
Ulrich Texas A&M University

All quotes Courtesy of ArborDay.org