The Value of Trees

Environment/Wildlife

 

Trees provide a number of important environmental benefits to our community and to our local wildlife. These benefits include:

• Improve air quality
• Provide important habitat value for wildlife
• Reduce stormwater run-off, thereby reducing flooding and pollution of waterways
• Filter airborne pollutants
• Provide shade and cooler temperatures - reducing your energy bills
• Remove atmospheric carbon dioxide
• Introduce natural elements into urban surroundings
• Attract birds and other animals to the area

Social

 

Trees are great for the mind and body. They enhance people's health and quality of life by introducing natural elements and wildlife habitats into urban surroundings.

Trees in private gardens and parkland settings provide areas where people can enjoy recreational and social activities, or simply relax in a tranquil setting and read a book.

Research has been undertaken into the physical and mental health benefits that interaction with trees and nature can provide.

Just a few noted health benefits include:

• Lowering blood pressure and cholesterol,
• Improving people's levels of concentration
• Reducing stress
• Helping people to create a more positive outlook on life

Further information can be found on the Healthy Parks Healthy People  website. 

Aesthetics

The aesthetic value of trees is wide reaching. A tree on your property can be enjoyed by the whole neighbourhood without you even realising it.

Just some of the aesthetics benefits that trees can provide include:

• Provide privacy
• Screen out or enhance views
• Act as natural sound barriers
• Reduce glare and reflection
• Create softness and beauty in streetscapes
• Enhance and complement architecture

Economic

There are many direct and indirect economic benefits that come from having trees on your property and in the local neighbourhood.

Trees increase your property value!
Several studies show that retaining trees can increase property values by at least 6.7 %. Removing that tree can cost you $15 000 or more.

Trees help to reduce your energy bills!
Planting trees to provide natural shade over the summer months is a great way of reducing your air-conditioning bill at home. Trees can also provide natural wind breaks from cold winter winds. This means using less heating and reducing your energy bills.

Trees provide a valuable food source, reducing your shopping bills!
Planting fruit trees in your garden is a great way of enjoying fresh produce for your family and saving money on your grocery shopping.

For further information please contact the Environment Department on 9784 1747 or email environment@frankston.vic.gov.au.