What is a tree worth over its lifetime?

One source for data relativity that answers the question about “what is a tree worth” is iTree, (https://www.itreetools.org/cta-tree-benefits) which has a list for the benefits of a tree in your climate zone over a 20 year period. For example a maple in midwestern climate for 20 years will:

• Remove 3,100 pounds of Carbon Dioxide from the atmosphere.
• Reduce the emissions of 5,500 pounds of Carbon Dioxide and 30 pounds of air pollution from a power plant.
• Save 570 kWh of electricity and 20 MMBtu of fueling for cooling and heating.
• Intercept 27,000 gallons of rainfall and avoid 4,800 gallons of runoff.
• Filter 15 pounds of Ozone, Nitrogen Dioxide, and Sulfur Dioxide from the air we breathe.

According to https://ufi.ca.uky.edu/treetalk/trees-treeworth, trees in urban and suburban environments offer many benefits to citizens and landowners. Although some of these benefits are intangible, like the enjoyment of a cool summer breeze and or the relaxing sound of wildlife in the landscape, all have monetary values that can be calculated. For example:

• Trees and landscape plantings greatly impact property values. Good landscape designs can increase property values 4-5%. On the other hand, poorly placed or selected plant material can lower property values by 8-10%. Real estate assessors recognize that a house on a lot with trees or in a neighborhood with mature trees is up to 20% more saleable.
• Street trees in urban business districts lead to higher retail sales by changing consumers’ shopping patterns. Shoppers are willing to pay more and are more likely to shop longer in tree-lined areas.
• Attractive, tree-filled landscapes improve human health in cities. They reduce blood pressure, improve emotional and psychological health, provide sun protection, and reduce exposure to airborne pollutants.
• Urban trees make for safer cities. Trees reduce traffic speeds and create safer pedestrian walkways. In addition, communities with an extensive urban forest have lower crime rates.
• Trees provide many valuable environmental benefits to urban communities. They can decrease heating and cooling costs in homes and offices, sequester carbon dioxide, mitigate ozone and other pollutants, and even reduce stormwater runoff.
• On many occasions tree appraisers and landscape designers can be called upon to use complex species specific formulas to come up with an actual monetary value of a specific tree, for replacement.

The value of specific canopy areas of trees can be assessed toward the overall health of a community.  That is why the replanting of removed trees can be so beneficial and help the overall health of your community. A north Carolina University project https://projects.ncsu.edu/project/treesofstrength/treefact.htm, notes these truths:

• Hundreds of food products (fruit, coffee, nuts, etc.) and food additives (for ice cream, chewing gum, etc.) come from trees.
• One large tree can lift up to 100 gallons of water out of the ground and discharge it into the air in a day.
• One large tree can provide a day’s supply of oxygen for up to four people.
• Each year, one person uses wood and paper products equivalent to a 100 foot tree 18 inches in diameter.
• Over 5,000 products are made from trees.

It is an indefinable value given to the mighty trees. When we can keep them safely lush, and beneficial, we restore much to the Earth and receive much from their presence.

Amber Delehanty ISA Certified Arborist #FL-9514A