The value of trees
Trees provide a number of important environmental benefits to our community and to our local wildlife.
Environment and wildlife
Trees provide a number of important environmental benefits to our community and to our local wildlife. These benefits include:
- improve air quality
- provide important habitat value for wildlife
- reduce stormwater run-off, thereby reducing flooding and pollution of waterways
- filter airborne pollutants
- provide shade and cooler temperatures - reducing your energy bills
- remove atmospheric carbon dioxide
- introduce natural elements into urban surroundings
- attract birds and other animals to the area.
Social
Trees are great for the mind and body. They enhance people's health and quality of life by introducing natural elements and wildlife habitats into urban surroundings.
Trees in private gardens and parkland settings provide areas where people can enjoy recreational and social activities, or simply relax in a tranquil setting and read a book.
Research has been undertaken into the physical and mental health benefits that interaction with trees and nature can provide.
Health
There are number of noted health benefits of trees, including:
- lowering blood pressure and cholesterol
- improving people's levels of concentration
- reducing stress
- helping people to create a more positive outlook on life.
Visit the Tress Are Good website for more information.
Aesthetics
The aesthetic value of trees is wide reaching. A tree on your property can be enjoyed by the whole neighbourhood without you even realising it.
Aesthetic benefits include:
- provide privacy
- screen out or enhance views
- act as natural sound barriers
- reduce glare and reflection
- create softness and beauty in streetscapes
- enhance and complement architecture.
Economic
There are many economic benefits that come from having trees on your property and in the local neighbourhood.
Several studies show that retaining trees can increase property values by at least 6.7 %. Removing that tree can cost you $15, 000 or more.
Planting trees to provide natural shade over the summer months is a great way of reducing your air-conditioning bill at home. Trees can also provide natural wind breaks from cold winter winds. This means using less heating and reducing your energy bills.
Planting fruit trees in your garden is a great way of enjoying fresh produce for your family and saving money on your grocery shopping.
Visit our Urban Forest Action Plan page to learn more about what we're doing to promote a healthy, widespread urban forest.