Reasons to Plant Trees
Tree Benefits
Healthy Air
Asthma rates in Washington, DC exceed the national average and afflict more than 1 in 14 of our residents, including over 10,000 DC children. The trees of Washington filter 540 tons of harmful, health-threatening pollutants from the air each year.
Cooling Shade
Cities typically average 10 degrees hotter than suburban areas. Trees provide shade and give off water vapor to cool the city in the summer. Homes shaded by trees have 10-30% savings in air conditioning costs compared to homes without shade. The shade trees of DC save us more than $2.6 million in air conditioning costs per year.
Cleaner Water
Trees help rain soak into the ground rather than run off the surface. The decrease in tree cover in Washington, DC between 1973 and 1997 resulted in an increase of storm water runoff of as much as 34 percent. In much of DC, storm water is collected in the same pipes as sewage and overflows untreated into the Anacostia, Rock Creek, and Potomac rivers as often as once a week. Sewer backups also occur in many city basements. Increasing the urban forest canopy throughout the District will significantly reduce polluted runoff and help cleanup our rivers.
Less Crime
Research has shown neighborhoods with trees have less crime than neighborhoods without trees. Residents living in “greener” surroundings actually report lower levels of fear, fewer incivilities, and less violent behavior. Trees are increasingly recognized as part of the solution to reducing crime.
Reduced Stress
Trees provide relief to physical and visual stress. Green views and access to green spaces in cities help and relieve the everyday pressures of crowding and noise. Research shows that kids are better able to concentrate, complete tasks, and follow directions after playing in natural settings.
Livable Communities
Trees add beauty to neighborhoods, create recreational opportunities, and reflect cultural values.
Increased Property Values
In urban areas across the country, homes with trees sell for an average of 10-20% more.
Tourism
700,000 tourists visit DC each year for the annual Cherry Blossom Festival.
Wildlife Habitat
Trees provide food and shelter for birds and small animals.
Trees and Commerce
Consumers are willing to spend 12% more in stores with trees in front of them than without.
Job Opportunities
Natural resource management job opportunities are growing in cities. Examples include: tree inventory, inspection and care, landscape maintenance, and environmental impact field work and planning
Tree Loss
Tree Damage
As cities and suburbs expand, wooded lands are being developed into commercial and residential sites. Homes are constructed in the midst of trees to take advantage of the aesthetic and environmental value of the wooded lots. Wooded properties can be worth as much as 20 percent more than those without trees, and people value the opportunity to live among trees.
Unfortunately, the processes involved with construction can be deadly to nearby trees. Unless the damage is extreme, the trees may not die immediately but could decline over several years. With this delay in symptom development, you may not associate the loss of the tree with the construction.
It is possible to preserve trees on building sites if the right measures are taken. The most important step is to hire a professional arborist during the planning stage. An arborist can help you decide which trees can be saved and can work with the builder to protect the trees throughout each construction phase.
Insects & Disease
Organisms that can threaten the life of a tree include insects, fungi, viruses and bacteria. Noninfectious diseases, which account for 70 to 90 percent of all plant problems in urban areas, can be caused by such factors as nutrient deficiencies, temperature extremes, vandalism, pollutants and fluctuations in moisture. Noninfectious disorders often produce symptoms similar to those caused by infectious diseases; therefore, it is essential to distinguish between the two in order to give proper treatment.
The treatment method used will depend on the species involved, the extent of the problem, and a variety of other factors specific to the situation and local regulations. Always consult a professional if you have any doubt about the nature of the problem or proper treatment.
