July 5th

By Mutt Mulligan

What is the value of an urban forest?

A recent report indicates that the 34 million trees in greater Toronto (Canada) – which provide shade for about 26% of the total land area – would cost about $14.2 billion to replace. The report encourages policy makers to regard the urban forest like it does other infrastructure elements such as highways, storm sewers and transit lines. That’s because the trees – dubbed “green infrastructure” by study authors – are helpful to the environment in a number of ways.

Trees remove pollution from the air, help mitigate heat island effects, protect waterways from runoff, decrease flooding, reduce energy use, and help store carbon – more than 2.7 million tons of it.

TurfMutt can get behind this idea of protecting trees because he knows they help the planet – and people – in a number of ways. Visual exposure to settings with trees helps lower blood pressure and muscle tension within just five minutes. Trees can also help increase home values by as much as 15%. Additionally, trees stimulate economic development, attracting new business and tourism.

Want to learn more about the value of trees and other living landscapes in your family yard and community? Visit SaveLivingLandscapes.com.