General Facts About Trees

Trees keep our air supply fresh by absorbing carbon dioxide and producing oxygen.
In one year, an acre of trees can absorb as much carbon as is produced by a car driven up to 8700
miles.

Trees provide shade and shelter, reducing yearly heating and cooling costs by 2.1 billion dollars.

Trees lower air temperature by evaporating water in their leaves.

The average tree in metropolitan area survives only about 8 years!

A tree does not reach its most productive stage of carbon storage for about 10 years.

Trees cut down noise pollution by acting as sound barriers.

Tree roots stabilize the soil and prevent erosion.

Trees improve water quality by slowing and filtering rain water as well as protecting aquifers and
watersheds.

Trees provide protection from downward fall of rain, sleet, and hail as well as reduce storm runoff and the possibility of flooding,

Trees provide food and shelter for wildlife.

Trees located along streets act as a glare and reflection control.

The death of one 70-year old tree would return over three tons of carbon to the atmosphere.

Trees and the Environment

Trees renew our air supply by absorbing carbon dioxide and producing oxygen.
The amount of oxygen produced by an acre of trees per year equals the amount consumed by 18
people annually. One tree produces nearly 260 pounds of oxygen each year.

One acre of trees removes up to 2.6 tons of carbon dioxide each year.

Shade trees can make buildings up to 20 degrees cooler in the summer.

Trees lower air temperature by evaporating water in their leaves.

Tree roots stabilize soil and prevent erosion.

Trees improve water quality by slowing and filtering rain water, as well as protecting aquifers and
watersheds.

The cottonwood tree seed is the seed that stays in flight the longest. The tiny seed is surrounded by
ultra-light, white fluff hairs that can carry it on the air for several days.

Tree Biology

Trees are the longest living organisms on earth.

Trees and other plants make their food through a process called photosynthesis.

The inside of a tree is made of phloem, cambium, and xylem.

The xylem of a tree carries water from the roots to the leaves.

Top 22 Benefits of Trees

Here are 22 of the best reasons to plant and care for trees or defend a trees standing:

Trees combat the greenhouse effect

Global warming is the result of excess greenhouse gases, created by burning fossil fuels and destroying tropical
rainforests. Heat from the sun, reflected back from the earth, is trapped in this thickening layer of gases,
causing global temperatures to rise. Carbon dioxide (CO2) is a major greenhouse gas. Trees absorb CO2,
removing and storing the carbon while releasing the oxygen back into the air. In one year, an acre of mature trees
absorbs the amount of CO2 produced when you drive your car 26,000 miles.

Trees clean the air

Trees absorb odors and pollutant gases (nitrogen oxides, ammonia, sulfur dioxide and ozone) and filter
particulates out of the air by trapping them on their leaves and bark.

Trees provide oxygen

In one year an acre of mature trees can provide enough oxygen for 18 people.

Trees cool the streets and the city

Average temperatures in Los Angeles have risen 6F in the last 50 years as tree coverage has declined and the
number of heat-absorbing roads and buildings has increased.
Trees cool the city by up to 10F, by shading our homes and streets, breaking up urban heat islands and
releasing water vapor into the air through their leaves.

Trees conserve energy

Three trees placed strategically around a single-family home can cut summer air conditioning needs by up to 50
percent. By reducing the energy demand for cooling our houses, we reduce carbon dioxide and other pollution
emissions from power plants.

Trees save water

Shade from trees slows water evaporation from thirsty lawns. Most newly planted trees need only fifteen gallons
of water a week. As trees transpire, they increase atmospheric moisture.

Trees help prevent water pollution

Trees reduce runoff by breaking rainfall thus allowing the water to flow down the trunk and into the earth below
the tree. This prevents stormwater from carrying pollutants to the ocean. When mulched, trees act like a sponge
that filters this water naturally and uses it to recharge groundwater supplies.

Trees help prevent soil erosion

On hillsides or stream slopes, trees slow runoff and hold soil in place.

Trees shield children from ultra-violet rays

Skin cancer is the most common form of cancer in the United States. Trees reduce UV-B exposure by about 50
percent, thus providing protection to children on school campuses and playgrounds - where children spend hours
outdoors.

Trees provide food

An apple tree can yield up to 15-20 bushels of fruit per year and can be planted on the tiniest urban lot. Aside
from fruit for humans, trees provide food for birds and wildlife.

Trees heal
Studies have shown that patients with views of trees out their windows heal faster and with less complications.
Children with ADHD show fewer symptoms when they have access to nature. Exposure to trees and nature aids
concentration by reducing mental fatigue.

Trees reduce violence

Neighborhoods and homes that are barren have shown to have a greater incidence of violence in and out of the
home than their greener counterparts. Trees and landscaping help to reduce the level of fear.

Trees mark the seasons

Is it winter, spring, summer or fall? Look at the trees.

Trees create economic opportunities

Fruit harvested from community orchards can be sold, thus providing income. Small business opportunities in
green waste management and landscaping arise when cities value mulching and its water-saving qualities.
Vocational training for youth interested in green jobs is also a great way to develop economic opportunities from
trees.

Trees are teachers and playmates

Whether as houses for children or creative and spiritual inspiration for adults, trees have provided the space for
human retreat throughout the ages.

Trees bring diverse groups of people together

Tree plantings provide an opportunity for community involvement and empowerment that improves the quality of
life in our neighborhoods. All cultures, ages, and genders have an important role to play at a tree planting or tree
care event.

Trees add unity

Trees as landmarks can give a neighborhood a new identity and encourage civic pride.

Trees provide a canopy and habitat for wildlife

Sycamore and oak are among the many urban species that provide excellent urban homes for birds, bees,
possums and squirrels.

Trees block things

Trees can mask concrete walls or parking lots, and unsightly views. They muffle sound from nearby streets and
freeways, and create an eye-soothing canopy of green. Trees absorb dust and wind and reduce glare.

Trees provide wood

In suburban and rural areas, trees can be selectively harvested for fuel and craft wood.

Trees increase property values

The beauty of a well-planted property and its surrounding street and neighborhood can raise property values by
as much as 15 percent.

Trees increase business traffic

Studies show that the more trees and landscaping a business district has, the more business will flow in. A treelined street will also slow traffic enough to allow the drivers to look at the store fronts instead of whizzing by.

Benefits of trees
Trees form the living umbrella over our streets, parks and gardens which define the character of urban form. They
provide many environmental and social benefits to our community. The key benefits are outlined below.
Social and Environmental benefits of trees:

removing carbon dioxide

improving the quality of life for people by improving the visual quality of the landscape

supporting and enhancing biodiversity

providing opportunities for recreation

a renewable source of energy.

improving our health by improving air quality

Carbon Sequestration
Trees are carbon sinks. They remove carbon dioxide (CO2) and store this in the cellulose of woody tissue. CO2 is
responsible for about half the Greenhouse Gasses that lead to global warming.

Removal of other air pollution

Trees also remove other major air pollutants including sulphur dioxide, ozone, nitrogen oxides and particulates that
cause respiratory problems.
Did you know that a well-treed street landscape can reduce up to 60% of particulates in the streets?

Oxygen Production
Trees release oxygen into the atmosphere as part of their photosynthesis process.
Did you know that a single mature tree can release enough oxygen back into the atmosphere to support two human
beings?

Shade and Shelter

Transpiration and shading reduces the heat island effect. Trees provide shade from the suns ultraviolet rays (UV).
Childrens skin is more sensitive to UV damage and the amount of sun exposure during childhood is thought to increase
the risk of developing skin cancer in adult life. A safe umbrella of trees is particularly useful in sschool grounds and
where children play.
Trees provide shelter from winds and can reduce the demand for heating.

Landscape Values
Leafy neighbourhoods improve the well being of a community. Trees create a landscape which is attractive to industry
and commerce and positively contribute towards an environment where people want to live and work.

Trees enhance views

They help to define character and promote a sense of place

They provide screening and privacy

Trees soften hard surfaces.

Trees add colour and seasonal interest

Studies have shown that people find houses with mature landscaped gardens and properties on tree lined avenues
more attractive places to live. They also tend to attract a higher market value.

Biodiversity
Biodiversity is the interaction between the variety of plants, animals and habitats. Trees provide a natural habitat that
supports a wide variety of wildlife flora and fauna.

Did you know that on a European level, Britain is unusual as it has a large population of veteran trees? These provide a
home for a host of rare and endangered invertebrates.

Recreation
Woodlands provide a great setting for recreational activity such as walking, mountain biking and other
pursuits. Forestry Commission surveys indicate that there are more than 350 million recreational visits per year to
forests and woodlands in Britain.

Energy
Wood and biomass products, such as wood chips, provide a renewable source of energy. There is no net carbon
increase into the atmosphere from burning wood as fuel.

ENVIRONMENTAL BENEFITS OF TREES

It pays to plant trees! Look at these amazing environmental benefits of trees:
AIR QUALITY We breathe cleaner air
By lowering air temperatures, trees reduce the emission of polluting volatile
organic compounds (VOCs) from both plants and human sources, like gasoline.
When the air is cooler, ozone doesn't form as readily.
Trees temporarily remove pollution from the air by catching tiny particles on
their leaves and branches. Tree leaves also absorb gaseous pollutants.
ENERGY USE Less demand on coal-fired and nuclear power plants
Well-placed trees reduce energy used to heat and cool homes and other
buildings. Reduced energy demand means less pollution emissions from power
plants.
Strategically placed trees save up to 56% on annual air-conditioning costs.
Evergreens that block winter winds can save 3% on heating.
STORMWATER REDUCTION Less polluted water runof
By intercepting rainfall on their leaves, stems and bark, trees reduce the
amount of stormwater that runs into sewers.
The U.S. Forest Service estimates 100 mature trees intercept about 250,000
gallons of rainfall per year in their crowns, reducing runof of polluted
stormwater.
CARBON DIOXIDE REMOVAL Trap greenhouse gas so the planet stays cooler
Trees remove carbon dioxide from the air and store it inside their wood.
Through photosynthesis, trees turn carbon dioxide into fresh oxygen.
HEAT ISLAND EFFECT Reduce hot spots so people can breathe easier
The heat island efect occurs in paved areas or areas with lots of buildings.
Summer sun and heat gets reflected and intensified, increasing air temperatures
and making it hard for people with asthma and other lung disease to breathe.
Trees reduce the heat island efect by shading concrete, asphalt and other
surfaces that normally absorb heat from the sun.
Trees absorb water from the ground and evaporate it back into the aircalled
"transpiration." A 48-foot-tall sliver maple can transpire up to 58 gallons of water
per hour! In doing so, trees lower nearby air temperatures. This is another way
that trees reduce the heat island efect in summertime.

Why Trees?
Trees give us much-needed oxygen and sequestercarbon dioxide
Trees increase biodiversity
Trees fix nitrates into soil making it more fertile to grow other plants, like
vegetables
Urban tree planting improves pride of place
Trees provide healthy and beautiful places for children to play and learn
Fruit trees provide nutritious fruit to eat
Trees improve an area's water quality

Trees increase property values

Real estate values increase when trees beautify a property or neighbourhood. Trees can increase the
property value of your home by 15 per cent or more.
Trees reduce electricity needed to run A/C units
Shade resulting in cooling is what trees are best known for. It reduces the need for air conditioning in
summer; studies have shown that parts of cities without cooling shade from trees can be as much as
12F hotter than surrounding areas.
Trees lower heating bills
During windy and cold seasons trees located on the windward side act as windbreaks. This can lower
home heating bills by up to 30 per cent. A reduction in wind can also reduce the drying effect on soil
and vegetation behind the windbreak and help keep precious topsoil in place.
Trees clean the air
Trees help cleanse the air by intercepting airborne particles, reducing heat, and absorbing such
pollutants as carbon monoxide, sulphur dioxide, and nitrogen dioxide. They remove the pollution by
lowering air temperature through respiration, and by retaining particulates.
Trees clean the soil
The term phytoremediation is a fancy word for the absorption of dangerous chemicals and other
pollutants that have entered the soil. Trees can either store harmful pollutants or change them into
less harmful forms. Trees filter sewage and farm chemicals, reduce the effects of animal wastes,
clean roadside spills and clean water run-off into streams.
Trees produce oxygen
A mature leafy tree produces as much oxygen in one season as 10 people inhale in a year.
Trees fight global warming
To produce its food, a tree absorbs and locks away carbon dioxide the global warming culprit in
its wood, roots and leaves. A forest is a carbon storage area or a "sink" that can lock up as much
carbon as it produces. This locking-up process stores carbon as wood and not as an available
greenhouse gas.
Trees control noise pollution
Trees muffle urban noise almost as effectively as stone walls. Those planted at strategic points in a
neighbourhood or around your house can abate major noises from freeways and airports.
Trees fight soil erosion
Erosion control has always started with tree and grassplanting projects. Tree roots bind the soil and
their leaves break the force of wind and rain on soil, thereby fighting erosion, conserving rainwater
and reducing water run-off and sediment deposit after storms.
Trees slow storm water run-off

Flash flooding can be dramatically reduced by a forest or by planting trees. Underground waterholding aquifers are recharged with this slowing down of water run-off.

Benefits of Planting Trees

Most often we plant trees to provide shade and beautify our landscapes. These are great benefits but trees also
provide other less obvious benefits.

Social Benefits

Trees make life nicer. It has been shown that spending time among trees and green spaces reduces the
amount of stress that we carry around with us in our daily lives.
Hospital patients have been shown to recover from surgery more quickly when their hospital room offered a
view of trees.
Children have been shown to retain more of the information taught in schools if they spend some of their
time outdoors in green spaces.
Trees are often planted as living memorials or reminders of loved ones or to commemorate significant events
in our lives.

Communal Benefits

Event though you may own the trees on your property your neighbors may benefit from them as well.
Through careful planning trees can be an asset to your entire community.
Tree lined streets have a traffic calming effect, traffic moves more slowly and safely.
Trees can be placed to screen unwanted views or noise from busy highways.
Trees can complement the architecture or design of buildings or entire neighborhoods.

Environmental Benefits

Trees offer many environmental benefits.

Trees reduce the urban heat island effect through evaporative cooling and reducing the amount of sunlight
that reaches parking lots and buildings. This is especially true in areas with large impervious surfaces, such
as parking lots of stores and industrial complexes.
Trees improve our air quality by filtering harmful dust and pollutants such as ozone, carbon monoxide, and
sulfur dioxide from the air we breathe.
Trees give off oxygen that we need to breathe.
Trees reduce the amount of storm water runoff, which reduces erosion and pollution in our waterways and
may reduce the effects of flooding.
Many species of wildlife depend on trees for habitat. Trees provide food, protection, and homes for many
birds and mammals.

Economic Benefits

Well placed trees can reduce your cooling costs in the summer by shading the south and west sides of your
home. If deciduous trees are used they will allow the sun to pass through and warm your home in the winter.
Evergreen trees on the north side of your home and shrubs around the foundation of your home can act as a
windbreak to reduce the cooling effects of winter winds.
The value of a well landscaped home with mature healthy trees can be as much as 10% higher than a
similar home with no or little landscaping. (Topping will reduce the value of your trees)
Some indirect economic benefits of trees are that if we reduce the energy we use then utility companies will
have less demand placed on the infrastructure, thus reducing operating costs which can be passed on to the
consumer.