While individual trees have value, the variability of species, size, condition, and function makes it even more difficult to determine their economic value.
Benefits include increased property values, pollution control, and energy savings. According to the Minnesota Department of Natural Resources, research has shown that trees can provide up to $7 in benefits each year for every $1 invested in caring for them.
The presence of community trees is linked to higher property values (as much as 27 percent), increased tax revenues, increased income levels, faster real estate sales (turnover rates), increased number of jobs and worker productivity, and increased numbers of customers or shoppers.īecause of many variables, determining the economic value of a community tree can be challenging. Research shows that trees help reduce stress in the workplace and encourage recovery for hospital patients. But urban trees also serve a number of more practical purposes. Many people view trees as symbolic, representing human traits we are taught to admire (such as wisdom and steadfastness, even in the face of adversity) The sheltering nature of trees suggests parental care, and many people equate their heritage with the deep roots of a tree.
