Benefits of Trees

A list of scientifically proven benefits of urban forests compiled by Alliance for Community Trees (ACTrees). “These facts come directly from primary research conducted by professional scientists, with all citations noted.” The list also looks at the economic value that the benefits of trees provide for people. https://www.arborday.org/programs/alliance-for-community-trees/downloads/tree-facts-benefits-of-trees.pdf

Planting Trees Can Help Combat Climate Change and Clean the Air.

• Science magazine published an article on July 05, 2019 stating that the restoration of trees is one of the most effective carbon drawdown solutions to date. The study found that even without planting on farms and grasslands there are still spaces to plant an extra 0.9 billion hectares of canopy cover. This could store 205 gigatonnes of carbon. That is the equivalent of two-thirds of the carbon emitted by human activity since the industrial revolution. They also stated the importance of planting trees quickly because climate change could alter the potential tree coverage significantly in a short amount of time. https://science.sciencemag.org/content/365/6448/76
• Trees clean the air by absorbing toxic airborne particles through their leaves, bark and roots. In cities particulates come primarily from car exhaust, brake pads, and road dust and can contain metals, such as iron and lead. These particles can make heart disease, asthma, and other health conditions worse when inhaled. The presence of trees improves air quality and contributes to a healthier and cleaner environment. https://cen.acs.org/articles/91/web/2013/11/Trees-Capture-Particulate-Matter-Road.html. Effects of urban trees in Los Angeles on air quality: https://www.nrs.fs.fed.us/pubs/rb/rb_nrs47.pdf

Street Trees Will Help Reduce Water Pollution.

• Removing concrete from sidewalks and replacing it with trees allows water to soak into the soil and replenish groundwater. During large storms one tree can store 50 to 100 gallons of water that otherwise would have flowed down the street and picked up chemicals and other pollutants along the way before ending up in the Watsonville slough system. https://www.fs.fed.us/psw/topics/urban_forestry/products/11/800TreeCityUSABulletin_55.pdf

Slows Traffic and Reduces Accidents

• Trees improve driving safety. One study found a 46% decrease in crash rates across urban arterial and highway sites after landscape improvements were installed. http://www.naturewithin.info/Roadside/RdsdSftyTexas_L&UP.pdf

Improved Physical and Mental Health

• The study, published in Scientific Reports, found that planting 10 or more trees in a city block, on average, increased how someone rated their health and decreased cardio-metabolic conditions. These improvements in health were comparable to an “increase in annual income of $10,000, moving to a neighborhood with $10,000 higher median income or being 7 years younger,” according to the study. https://www.iflscience.com/health-and-medicine/there-are-health-benefits-living-near-trees-study-suggests/
• Here is an article describing 11 ways being around plants indoor or outdoor can improve your mental health https://www.psychologytoday.com/us/blog/cravings/201909/11-ways-plants-enhance-your-mental-and-emotional-health