Benefits of Urban Trees

Trees add much more to an urban landscape than a spot of green on the horizon. Healthy, mature tree canopy positively affects issues ranging from health to economic development and sense of community. Urban trees have equally important impacts on the environment. They break up heat islands, decrease flooding from stormwater runoff, absorb carbon dioxide, and shade building leading to a reduction in energy use.

Follow the links on the left to learn more about why trees are so important to many aspects of city life. Or calculate the value of the trees in your yard by using the National Tree Benefit Calculator.

BENEFITS RESOURCES

Center for Urban Forest Research, US Forest Service

Green Cities: Good Health, US Forest Service & University of Washington

Human Dimensions of Urban Forestry, University of Washington

Landscape and Human Health Laboratory, University of Illinois