The benefits of urban trees

Substantial research supports the following benefits that trees bring to urban areas.

Environmental

Produce oxygen for us to breath.
Sequester carbon dioxide from the atmosphere, locking away the harmful 'greenhouse' gas.
Reduce localised temperature extremes (the Urban Heat Island).
Provide shade, reducing the harmful effects of ultra violet radiation and making streets and buildings cooler in summer.
Help to improve air quality by reducing dust and particulates.
Improve environmental performance of buildings.
Help to reduce traffic noise, absorbing and deflecting sound.
Help to reduce local wind speeds.
Increase biodiversity and provide food and shelter for wildlife.
Assist in land remediation.
Reduce the effects of flash flooding by rainfall interception.

Improve the quality and perception of the urban environment.
Create community focal points and landmark links.
Create sense of place and local identity.
Benefit communities socially be instilling higher public esteem and pride for an area.
Positive impact on both physical and mental health and well being.
Positive impact on crime reduction.
Improve health in the urban population.

Have the potential to increase residential and commercial property values by between 7% to 15%.
Improve the environmental performance of buildings and therefore the economic performance through reducing heating and cooling costs.
Can provide mature landscapes that confer a premium for development sites.
Assist the appreciation of property values proportionate to their scale as they grow larger.
Creating a positive perception for prospective purchasers of property.
Enhance the prospects of securing planning permission.
Improve health in the urban population, thus reducing healthcare costs.
Provide a potential long term renewable energy resource.