Trees and Green Space Make Economic Sense

Of the many benefits provided by trees, their economic contributions to individual homeowners and entire communities are increasingly important.

“How do I love thee? Let me count the ways.” Perhaps the English poet Elizabeth Barrett Browning would not mind lending these words to our feelings for trees. The reasons that most of us value trees range from providing a home for birds to fighting climate change. We love trees for sentimental reasons, aesthetic reasons, and even spiritual reasons. But in these challenging times, it is important to also look at trees in the harsh light of economic analysis. As can be seen in the section about red fields, hard times may even provide unprecedented opportunity to make sound investments for more open space and landscaping that enhance property values and elevate the quality of life. 

Following are some of the many practical contributions provided by trees. We include trees in our yards and businesses, along streets, and in parks and open spaces. Together, these special places and their vegetation make our communities better places to live –– and they can be the catalyst for saving money and stimulating economic growth.