Tree Benefits

Oxygen Production

One acre of trees can produce enough oxygen to keep 18 persons alive*.  For every ton of new wood produced, about 1.3 tons of oxygen is released. *  One large tree can provide the oxygen requirements for four people.

Carbon Dioxide Reduction

A healthy tree can use about 26 pounds of carbon dioxide per year.  For every ton of wood produced, about 1.8 tons of carbon dioxide is removed from the air.

Cooling in the Summer

Three deciduous trees (one each on the southeast, southwest and west) can cut air conditioning costs 10 to 50%.  One study in Florida demonstrated a reduction in air conditioning costs of $150 per year.

Heating in the Winter

Evergreen windbreaks on the northwest side of a building can reduce heating costs 10 to 40% by reducing air infiltration.

Psychological Benefits

Convalescing patients recuperated up to 15% more quickly when their room has a view of the landscape.  Attractive landscaping has also been shown to improve employee productivity, lower absenteeism and enhance recruitment.

Real Estate Value

Trees can increase the appraised value of undeveloped land by 27% and of residential properties by 15%.

Noise Pollution

Each 100-foot width of tree growth can absorb six to eight decibels of sound intensity.  One-hundred thirty (130) decibels is the average persons pain level.

Crime

A University of Illinois study determined that both property and violent crimes were reduced by over 50% percent in residential areas with properly landscaped trees and shrubs.

Air Polution

Trees can reduce gaseous air pollutants by 25% in the urban environment.  Solid particles are reduced from 12,000 particles per liter of air to 3,000.  There are an estimated 50,000 to 120,000 deaths in the United States annually associated with air pollution.