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The
Benefits of Trees |
Trees benefit communities in
a number of important ways:
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Aesthetics:
By softening the harsh lines of the urban world, trees
play an important role in visitors’ first impressing of
a community. Trees add beauty to an urban area. Homes
and offices set in an environment with mature trees are
typically more appealing and valued at a higher rate.
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Air Quality:
Trees improve air quality in three ways.
- The leaves can
collect and absorb particles of airborne pollutants,
such as sulfur dioxide, and they also store carbon
absorbed from the carbon dioxide in the air.
- The physical
presence of trees can reduce wind speed, which
allows heavy particles of air pollutants to settle
to the ground.’
- Burning fossil fuels
for electricity is a major source of carbon
emissions in the air. Properly placed trees can
reduce the energy needed for heating, and especially
cooling here in Florida, thus reducing the need for
electrical power.
- Clean Water:
Trees contribute to improved
water quality by decreasing soil erosion and reducing storm water runoff that
may affect the sanitary sewer system. Trees can minimize runoff and help
developers comply with storm water re4quirements without relying so heavily on
expensive retention facilities and sediment traps. They prevent soil erosion
and reduce water pollution by holding soil in place and preventing the transport
of sediments and chemicals into streams.
- Economic Benefits:
Trees
increase property values for both residential and business locations. Because
trees increase property values, the result is an increase in the tax base for
community. In a recent National Association of Home Builders survey, builders
reported that 43% of home buyers would pay up to $3000 more for wooded lots and
30% would pay up to $5000 more. A Bank American Mortgage survey of real estate
agents showed that 84% believe a home with trees would be as much as 20% more
saleable.
- Energy
Savings: Well placed trees can contribute to a reduction in heating and
cooling costs for homes and businesses by providing shade, windbreaks, and
evaporative cooling effects. Trees offer shade and protection from the
elements, making it easier to maintain constant temperatures throughout a
building’s interior space. Heating and air-conditioning systems don’t have to
work as hard or as long resulting in significant savings to home and business
owners.
- Increase Economic Stability:
The National Arbor Day Foundation reports that people linger and shop longer
along tree-lined streets. Apartments and offices rent more quickly and tenants
stay longer in wooded areas. Studies conducted by the USDA have shown that
healthy, mature trees add an average of 10% to a property’s value.
- Reduce Crime:
Crime levels in
communities are reduced when there are extensive street tree systems and
well-landscaped parks.
- Reduce Noise Pollution:
Trees
act as buffers against roadways and other noise producing sources by absorbing
unpleasant sounds from the urban environment.
- Traffic Calming:
The Institute
of Transport Studies at England’s University of Leeds has found that street tree
planting have a traffic calming effect. Tree lined streets act as psycho
perceptive measures, which subtly slows traffic and encourages speed limits of
25, 30 or 35 mph by making roadways appear narrower. Landscaping along streets
provides a separation between motorists and pedestrians and reduces the visual
width of the roadway. By presenting a visual narrowing of the roadway, trees
and other landscaping create an image of the street that is one of a place
rather than a through route.
- Wildlife Habitat:
Trees serve
as wildlife habitat, providing food and cover for a variety of creatures
including deer, squirrels, rabbits, reptiles, insects and birds. Trees create a
local ecosystem and provide these suitable habitats that would otherwise by
absent from urban areas.
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Where can I go online to learn more about trees? |
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