Expressing the value of trees in cents and dollars is difficult. This is probably the reason they are often thought of as only “aesthetic” with no real value. However, even aesthetics have real value. And that’s just one of the many qualities urban trees possess that add value to their surroundings and reduce costs.
Here are things to consider about trees in the urban environment:
Aesthetics: Trees and shrubs have the ability to add value to your property. A house with mature trees and shrubs is worth more than the same home without them. This added value pays off only when you sell your home, which is why it goes unnoticed.
“In one study, 83 percent of realtors believe that mature trees have ’strong or moderate impact’ on the saleability of homes listed under $150,000.” — Arbor National Mortgage and American Forests
Sidewalks begin to lose value as soon as they are installed, while trees increase in value over time.
Energy savings:
Trees have the potential to save you money on both heating and cooling bills by providing shade in the summer and blocking harsh winds in the winter.
“Trees properly placed around a building can reduce air conditioning needs by 30 percent and can save 20-50 percent in energy used for heating.” — USDA Forest Service
Environmental impact: Trees intercept rainwater and prevent it from entering the wastewater system. This saves the City of LaPorte money by having to treat less water. Intercepting rainwater also reduces runoff of chemicals into lakes and streams, which means it costs the city less to produce safe drinking water for everyone.
“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
Economic development: Trees are the only part of the urban infrastructure that increase in value over time. As they grow, the benefits gained from trees increase and the value of the tree itself in the landscape increases. The same cannot be said for concrete sidewalks and curbs, which depreciate in value immediately after installation.
“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
Social impact: Areas with mature trees are simply more desirable to live in. The presence of mature trees improves mood and productivity.
Volunteers planting trees.
“In laboratory research, visual exposure to settings with trees 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
This is only a small sampling of the countless benefits gained from trees. The value of trees can be difficult to put a price tag on, but life without them would be worth much less.
(Click on photos to enlarge.)
KEITH O’HERRIN is the City Forester for the City of LaPorte. He can be found at the Park and Recreation Office at 250 Pine Lake Ave. or reached at 326-9600.
