Benefits of Trees

Environmental Benefits

Having trees in an environment can moderate the effects of climate by deflecting harsh winds, absorbing rainfall and providing shade in the summer. Trees filter water, reducing the impact of storm and flood waters by slowing water movement and soil erosion through strong roots. Trees can improve air quality by absorbing harmful toxins, like carbon dioxide, smoke, dust and ash, from the air and filter them to return oxygen to the atmosphere. The natural environment trees provide also attracts birds and other wildlife seeking shelter and food.

Economic Benefits

Trees provide a direct benefit by lowering energy costs for a home or business. Heating and air cooling costs can be reduced by strategically placing trees on the south- and west-facing sides of homes. Air-conditioning costs are lower for tree-shaded buildings, and heating costs are reduced when trees are used as a windbreak. Property values increase with the presence of landscaping and mature trees. With tools like our free i-Tree software suite and Tree$ense, our free mobile app , municipalities and homeowners can determine the true value of the trees on their properties, as well as learn where to plant trees in the right places for maximum value and energy savings.

Social Benefits

Sometimes without knowing it, many people respond favorably to the presence of trees. Feelings of peace and tranquility connect people to the trees they love. People who spend time in the outdoors among green trees and plants are likely to experience reduced stress levels, explains The Natural Resource Conservation Service. Children who spend some time outdoors each day show increased levels of information retention. Hospital patients with window views of trees need less pain medication and are discharged sooner than patients with treeless views. A Chicago-based report showed residents living in apartments with views of trees show significantly less aggression toward family members than those whose windows looked onto concrete, asphalt or barren earth. This includes making fewer insults and threats.

To find out more about the specific benefits your trees provide from your desktop or laptop computer, visit www.davey.com/calculator. You can also learn about tree benefits on your mobile phone with Tree$ense, our new, free mobile app. Visit www.davey.com/treesense to learn more.