Nine Good Reasons to Plant a Tree

photo by Leonel Lima

Block UV Rays
Trees in schoolyards and parks protect children from harmful UV rays.

Increase property values
Residential properties with substantial tree cover may sell for between 5% to 25% more than similar properties without trees.  Similarly, homes in well-treed communities tend to sell more quickly.

Improve our sense of well being
Research in hospitals has shown that patients in rooms that overlook green space recover more quickly than those with rooms that overlook hard surfaces.

Cool our streets and houses in summer
Trees are natural air conditioners: they release moisture from their leaves which cools the air when it evaporates.  Trees also cool the air by providing shade and reducing the solar energy absorbed by hard surfaces, such as asphalt and buildings.

Slow the wind
Windbreaks and shelter belts protect soils, crops, and buildings.  They increase crop yield and control snow.  Well-placed trees reduce energy loss from buildings and lower heating bills in winter.

Contain storm-water
Trees help soils absorb and conserve moisture by slowing rainfall and moderating surface runoff. They reduce soil erosion and intercept harmful pollutants from hard surfaces before they enter the storm sewer system.

In rural areas trees and shrubs along stream banks trap nutrients, reduce erosion and improve fish habitat.

Protect wildlife
Trees and shrubs along streets, in parks, and in our yards provide crucial habitat for resident wildlife and bird populations, as well as stopovers for migratory birds.

Slow the Traffic
Trees can be friendly street bumps. Lining streets with trees is a known technique for the voluntary slowing of traffic in residential neighbourhoods.