When many people think of trees, they visualize pristine forests and rolling hills. However, trees are also an integral component of urban neighborhoods. For example, U.S. urban forests provide approximately $18 million in economic benefits annually by reducing air pollution, pollutant emissions, and energy use while increasing carbo-sequestration.
Below, our experts in tree service in Palm Harbor explore the importance of trees in cities and how they promote livability in urban neighborhoods.
Reduce Air Pollution
One of the major benefits of trees in urban neighborhoods is the reduction of air pollution. Studies have linked ozone, carbon monoxide, carbon dioxide, sulfur dioxide, nitrogen dioxide, particulate matter, and other pollutants in the air to various health issues, including the following:
- Intraocular pressure, which causes glaucoma
- Bronchitic symptoms
- Myocardial infarction (heart attack)
- Blood pressure
- Autism
- Heart failure
- Cognitive issues in children, such as ADHD
Trees remove significant amounts of air pollution. Surveys estimate that urban trees eliminate 711,000 metric tons of air pollution annually from the contiguous United States.
Cool the Urban Environment
Another major importance of trees is urban cooling. A survey by researchers at the Morton Arboretum in Lisle, IL, revealed that trees significantly promote urban cooling, with up to 16 degrees Fahrenheit reduction in temperature.
Besides providing heat relief from shading, urban forests also cool the air in cities through evapotranspiration. This benefit makes tree-lined city streets more comfortable to walk down.
Protection From Flooding
Did you know that the roots of a mature, leafy tree can suck up as much as 450 liters of water daily? Such trees also capture rainwater on their leaves’ surfaces. In addition, the roots of these trees minimize soil erosion and slow water filtration into the cities’ drainage networks.
These benefits are especially important in urban areas where a significant proportion of the ground surface comprises impenetrable materials, such as concrete and tarmac.
In the case of an unexpected downpour, these surfaces can result in flash floods if the drainage is efficient. Trees help prevent flooding.
Reduce Energy Costs
The importance of trees extends beyond environmental benefits. Trees in cities account for a 7% reduction in the energy used for cooling and heating in U.S. homes. You can enjoy reduced energy bills if you plant shade trees around your home.
A USDA’s Forest Service survey revealed that U.S. urban forests save $7.8 billion yearly in avoided cooling and heating costs and an extra $3.9 billion in avoided emissions.
Improve Physical and Mental Well-being
Studies have revealed that having access to nature and living near urban green spaces can improve physical and mental health. For example, it can decrease stress and high blood pressure. This benefit, in turn, helps improve the urban communities’ well-being.
Improve Property Value
According to the Food and Agriculture Organization (FAO), trees in urban areas can help increase the value of the area where they are growing. This helps increase the value of those areas by up 20% compared to areas of the city without vegetation.
Contact Stevens Tree Service Today
City trees have numerous benefits, including reduced air pollution, urban cooling, flood prevention, reduced energy costs, and improved physical and mental well-being. Now that you understand the importance of trees in urban neighborhoods, you should find a reputable arborist to guide you on planting and caring for trees on your property.
Our experts Stevens Tree Service are the go-to arborist team for tree services in Palm Harbor and the surrounding areas. If you want to know how to protect your trees or other tree care-related information, call us at 727-734-TREE (8733) to schedule a free consultation. We believe trees can significantly improve quality of life; let us show you how!
