Trees are critical city infrastructure.
In the past decades. many in cities across the country have cited issues with the presence of urban trees - damage to sidewalks, presence of leaf litter and as a source of potential property damage from falling limbs. However, technology and modeling tools show that trees are proven to be valuable city infrastructure and essential for vibrant communities. We can calculate the value of the benefits trees provide and show that they outweigh the investment needed for planting and maintenance.
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1. Trees provide effective and low-cost solutions to a variety of urban challenges. Urban trees have proven to be an effective tool that many city and county agencies can use to fulfill their missions, including planning, economic development, public health, public works, stormwater, and sanitation departments. Trees have been proven to reduce water and air pollution, improve public health, increase property value, and enhance the success of business districts.
2. Trees are a smart investment. On an annual basis, cities often see a strong return on investment related to tree costs and benefits. A recent five-city study found that cities received benefits ranging from $1.50–$3.00 for every dollar invested in trees (U.S. Environmental Protection Agency 2015).
3. Trees increase in value over time. Unlike man-made systems, trees are the only urban infrastructure that actually increase services and value over time. As trees mature, benefits increase exponentially, unlike more traditional city infrastructure such as roads and bridges that deteriorate with age.
2. Trees are a smart investment. On an annual basis, cities often see a strong return on investment related to tree costs and benefits. A recent five-city study found that cities received benefits ranging from $1.50–$3.00 for every dollar invested in trees (U.S. Environmental Protection Agency 2015).
3. Trees increase in value over time. Unlike man-made systems, trees are the only urban infrastructure that actually increase services and value over time. As trees mature, benefits increase exponentially, unlike more traditional city infrastructure such as roads and bridges that deteriorate with age.