We all know the environmental benefits of trees, cleaner air, lower temperatures, reduction in stormwater runoff, habitat for local fauna, but have you ever stopped and thought about the social benefits of trees?

Extensive research has been conducted to showcase the importance of trees in our local community which are often overlooked.

• Street trees can improve the environmental comfort by diminishing traffic noise, screening unwanted views and reducing glare.

• “Calmer Traffic” – research has shown traffic moves more slowly on streets lined with trees and drivers are more consciously aware that where there are trees there are often pedestrians and children nearby.

• Residents walk more on streets with trees – when cars drive more slowly, pedestrians feel safer. Also trees provide shade in the summer and a canopy from rain in the winter.

• Increased real estate values – research estimates the improvement of curb appeal due to street trees increases real estate values by 5-20%

• Less drainage infrastructure – trees absorb the first 30% of most precipitation; this moisture never hits the ground. Up to another 30% of precipitation is absorbed back into the ground and taken up by the root structure of the tree. This equates to up to 60% of precipitation captured by trees. Stormwater run off and flooding potential to urban properties is therefore reduced.

• Direct economic benefits – these are usually associated with energy costs. Air-conditioning costs are lower in a tree-shaded home. Heating costs are reduced when a home has a wind break.

• Street trees also create a sense of place and contribute to the city’s character, provide seasonal interest and beauty through their foliage, interesting leaf patterns, flowers, bark and fruit and provide a link to nature and a source of delight.

Environmental benefits of trees

• Trees beautify our community - People enjoy the shade and aesthetic beauty of trees in parks, along streets and in front of buildings.

• Trees improve our air - They remove carbon dioxide from the atmosphere through photosynthesis and return oxygen back to the atmosphere. They also remove air pollutants such as sulfur dioxide, ozone, carbon monoxide and minute toxic particles that come mostly from diesel exhausts. This has real benefits in reducing the greenhouse effect.

• Trees protect our water - Trees reduce the toxic effects of first-flush stormwater by reducing the volume of runoff water. Tree roots keep soil porous so rainwater soaks in instead of running immediately into creeks. They also reduce potential for soil erosion and replenish groundwater supplies. Trees absorb the first 30% of most precipitation through their leaf system, allowing evaporation back into the atmosphere, This moisture never hits the ground. Another percentage (up to 30%) of precipitation is absorbed back into the ground and taken and held onto the root structure, then absorbed and then transpired back to the air. Some of this water also naturally percolates into the ground water and aquifer. Stormwater run off and flooding potential to urban properties is therefore reduced.

• Trees can contribute to energy savings - Trees can keep summer temperatures lower and reduce the need for cooling devices by providing shade. Just one tree shading an air-conditioner in summertime can reduce household energy consumption. By shading heat-absorbing surfaces such as bitumen and masonry, trees reduce the ‘urban heat island’ effect that leads to higher urban temperatures.

• Trees provide vital food and shelter for wildlife - Birds, insects and numerous other native animals depend on trees for their habitat, nesting and a food source

• Provide seasonal interest and natural beauty through foliage and their interesting leaf patterns, flowers, bark, fruit and canopy

• Provide a link to nature and a source of delight