Socio-Economic Benefits of Trees

Trees make our communities more vital, beautiful places to live.

ECONOMIC POWER — Trees increase the value of the things around them

—Each large front yard tree adds 1% to a house's sales price, and large trees can add 10% to property value.
—In tree-lined commercial districts, shoppers report more frequent shopping, longer shopping trips, and willingness to spend 12% more for goods.

STRONGER COMMUNITIES — People get along better in tree-filled spaces

—Tree planting programs give inner city neighborhoods a stronger sense of community and empowerment.
—Urban trees and forests help alleviate some of the hardships of inner city living, especially for low-income groups.
—Trees contribute to stronger ties among neighbors, greater sense of safety, more supervision of children in outdoor places, healthier patterns of children's play, more use of neighborhood common spaces, fewer incivilities, fewer property crimes, and fewer violent crimes.
—More than 180 Illinois towns are proud to be a "Tree City USA."

HUMAN HEALTH — People feel happier and healthier around trees

—Studies show that when people can see or be near trees, they are more relaxed and less stressed.
—Hospital patients with window views of trees recover significantly faster and with fewer complications than patients who can't see trees.
—Kids can focus and learn better.
—Urban trees and forests provide emotional and spiritual experiences that are important in people's lives.

These facts are summarized from Trees Pay Us Back by the U.S. Forest Service and "The Role of Our Urban Forest in the Chicago Metropolitan Region's Future" by Edith Makra Kusnierz, Community Trees Advocate & John Dwyer, Ph.D., Research Associate, The Morton Arboretum. October 2010.

Want to learn more about tree benefits?

Environmental Benefits
Resources to Learn More
The Value of Trees
Benefits Depend on the Tree