5 Underestimated Benefits of Urban Forests

You know that trees are an indispensable factor in our environment. You know that they supply the oxygen we breathe and make our surroundings more beautiful. But, there are some incredible benefits of trees—especially in an urban setting— that you may have never considered.

How do urban forests benefit our cities? Let us count the ways…

Air Purification

The United States’ urban forests remove an estimated 800,000 tons of air pollution from the Earth’s atmosphere every year. With all the buildings and vehicles pumping out harmful greenhouse gases, the trees’ ability to purify the air has become more necessary than ever.

The U.S. Forest Service has reported that a tree’s “net annual oxygen production” varies by the species, size, health and location of the tree. For example, a healthy 32-foot-tall ash will produce about 260 pounds of oxygen annually.

Given that a typical human being will consume 386 pounds of oxygen each year, it would take two medium-sized, healthy trees to supply the amount oxygen needed for one person over that amount of time. And, according to the USDA Forest Service, there are 610 million trees in U.S. urban areas working for the country’s population of roughly 314 million.

Water Management

Because cities have so many impermeable surfaces (concrete, asphalt, etc.), rainwater pools instead of being absorbed into the ground. This makes it possible for even a small rainstorm to cause flooding. As built-up rainwater flows over the pavement, it becomes polluted and will likely end up in our urban waterways — or even our faucets.

One street tree is capable of intercepting 760 gallons of rainwater in its crown, which helps to reduce runoff and flooding.

Collectively, enough urban trees can result in a city not having to build as many artificial stormwater controls, which will save the city and its citizens millions of dollars. The rainwater that falls on an urban forest is also purified before it reaches the ground, and any that is retained helps to sustain the growth of the trees, parks and vegetation.

Reducing Energy Consumption

Urban forests provide shade for our homes, businesses, roads and parking lots. Strategically planted trees around a home can provide enough shade to drastically reduce air-conditioning use in the summer. And, their ability to cut wind exposure can also reduce heating bills in the winter.

During the hot months, trees provide relief from the scorching sun, lowering the temperature both inside and outside of buildings. This leads to significant savings on air conditioning costs. 

In addition, urban forests help to reduce the “heat island” effect, in which built-up areas are significantly hotter than surrounding rural areas. This is because trees and other vegetation help to cool the air through evapotranspiration, a process in which water is vaporized from leaves and turned into water vapor. 

As a result, urban forests can play an important role in mitigating the effects of climate change. 

Additionally, urban forests help to clean the air, trapping pollutants and providing a respite from smog and other forms of pollution. In doing so, they improve public health and further lower energy costs by reducing the need for medical care. 

Finally, urban forests provide numerous other benefits such as reducing noise pollution, providing habitat for wildlife, and contributing to the aesthetic value of cities. Consequently, it is clear that urban forests make significant contributions to lowering energy costs while also improving the quality of life for city dwellers.

Human Experience and Mental Health

Urban trees can also reduce the noise of a city significantly. Tall trees with dense crowns and a soft ground surface can cut noise by 50 percent or more. If kept healthy and cared for properly, urban trees can also provide bird and wildlife habitat and recreational opportunities, improve soil quality, reduce erosion, add to property values.

Many studies suggest that urban trees help to provide a feeling of community well-being.

Several such studies have proven that street trees contribute to fewer property crimes and a better economy. Experts report that tree-lined streets attract tourists and consumers, encouraging them to shop and dine a little longer. This research also says that real estate in wooded areas is bought and rented more quickly.

According to a growing body of research, spending time in nature can have a profound impact on our mental health. Studies have shown that being in green spaces can reduce stress levels, improve moods, and increase feelings of vitality and well-being. 

In fact, one study even found that exposure to nature can help to reduce symptoms of depression. There are several reasons why green spaces can be so beneficial for our mental health. 

For one, they provide us with an opportunity to disconnect from the hustle and bustle of city life and connect with the natural world. They also give us a chance to get some exercise and fresh air, both of which are important for our physical and mental wellbeing. 

Finally, green spaces can provide us with a sense of calm and tranquility, helping us to relax and de-stress. It’s no wonder that urban forests and green spaces are becoming increasingly popular in cities around the world.

Climate Change Mitigation

Urban Forests help to stave off climate change in two ways: through the absorption and sequestration of carbons, and by reducing the amount of greenhouse gases that are emitted.

Trees and shrubs can store carbon in their heartwood, roots and leaves for decades — even centuries — removing carbon dioxide from our atmosphere and and slowing the rate of climate change. In fact, urban trees in the U.S. store 770 million tons of carbon.

Because trees help limit the need for cooling and heating, they effectively reduce the amount of greenhouse gases emitted by power plants, commercial and residential buildings. According to the U.S. Forest Service, “reduced emissions from trees can be substantial, especially in regions with large numbers of air conditioned buildings, long cooling seasons and where coal is the primary fuel for electric power generation.”

So, the next time you find yourself amongst an urban forest, do as the Japanese do, and soak it up.

Editor’s Note: This post has been updated for freshness and consistency.