A study of urban forests in Modesto, CA shows that City trees actually remove 154 tons of air pollutants, increase property values by over $1.5 million, and provide shade that saves over $1 million. This information convinced city officials to increase the tree budget and an electric utility company to invest $20,000 in developing the Modesto Tree Foundation.
Benefit Cost Analysis of Trees in Fort Collins, Colorado - For every $1 invested in tree management, residents receive $2.18 in benefits for increased property values, reduced storm water runoff, cleaner air, energy conservation, and reduced atmospheric carbon dioxide.
Computer simulations of annual cooling savings for an energy efficient home in the Southwest show that a typical household spends about $250 each year for air conditioning. Shade from two 25-foot tall trees on the west and one on the east saves $57 a year, or 23%. Reduced energy use results in lower utility bills, less consumption of non-renewable resources, and fewer emissions released into the atmosphere.
