Trees Provide Many Benefits

The obvious reasons for having an abundance of trees in our communities and more specifically on our property is for their beauty and shade from the sun. Although these are excellent for practical purposes there are other functions that are worthwhile considering for the landscape when it comes to the selection of trees and shrubs. 
Four Beneficial Categories That Enhance Our Quality Of Life

1.  Communal Benefits Of Trees
In this category we referring to trees that are located on private property or on municipal property. However, trees on private property can be looked at as part of the community simply because of their considerable size.   Both you and your neighbours can benefit from each other trees without each of them infringing on the property rights of the other.  Of course this takes planning.

Municipal trees can serve different purposes falling under the functions of engineering and architectural such as:
  •  provide privacy, 
  • emphasize views, 
  • screen out objectionable views,
  • reduce glare and reflection,
  • direct pedestrian traffic,
  • as a background to and soften, complement, or enhance architecture,
  • to encourage nature and wildlife habitats in urban communities.
2.   Environmental Benefits Of Trees
Trees impact the environment around us in various ways:
  • by moderating climate, 
  • by improving air quality, 
  • by reducing stormwater runoff, 
  • and by harboring wildlife. 

Air pollutants such as ozone, carbon monoxide, and sulfur dioxide are absorbed by trees which then release oxygen. Planting trees is the best way to restore the natural ecological cycle of reproduction and decomposition so important to plant growth.   It then becomes attractive to birds and wildlife.  In this way we can enjoy the natural harmony of the plant kingdom in urban communities.
3.  Social Benefits Of Trees
As people we are impacted by the many benefits of trees not just their beauty.
They help us to:
  • feel serene,
  •  peaceful,
  •  restful,
In a grove of trees there's a certain unique sense of tranquillity.

Trees tend to: 
  • make us feel calm
  •  significantly reduce workplace stress levels and fatigue,
  •  and even decrease the recovery time needed after surgery. 

It's interesting to note that  apartment buildings with green space experience a lower level of crime.   Sinces trees have an enduring quality they often are used as a living memorial. People can become quite attached to a tree they've planted and nurtured.  Trees can be historic and cause alarm and protest from members in a community if they are scheduled to be removed for any reason.
4.   Economic Benefits Of Trees
It is somewhat challenging to determine the value of a specific tree on a property,  but the value of a property can be 5 to 20 percent higher than a property without trees.

Home owner benefits include:
  • lower air conditioning cost due to the shade trees provide,
  • lower heating costs due to the windbreak trees provide,
  • adds value to your home.

Community benefits include:
  •  reduced use of  fossil fuels,
  • fewer measures to control air pollution.
  • fewer facilities must be built to control stormwater in the region.

To an individual member of a community these may sound insignificant but to the whole community they can provide substantial economic benefits.