Why Trees? The Benefits of Trees in Urban Landscaping

BY AMY SMITH

The natural beauty of Asheville and Western North Carolina is a major reason why so many of us call this area home. We are surrounded by lush forests, sparkling rivers and lakes and abundant wildlife. While development is a benefit for our economy and our region, smart growth is necessary to ensure that we preserve the qualities that make this area unique. To ensure this ecological balance, trees and other vegetation must be managed in our cities, towns, and subdivisions in a forward-thinking and sustainable manner.

Trees in urban settings play an important role in our daily lives. Most people associate trees with providing shade and beauty, but this is only the beginning of urban tree canopy benefits. Trees work to clean the air we breathe, and studies show that roadside trees can reduce nearby indoor air pollution by more than 50%. Trees reduce stress and improve human health, including a reduction in cardiovascular disease for people living in neighborhoods with urban canopy cover. The shade that trees provide has been linked to a reduction in deaths from heat, by mitigating the urban heat island effect — the measurable difference between the temperature in the city compared to outlying suburban and rural areas. Without trees, this difference can be up to 10°F.

Not only do urban trees improve human health, but they are also necessary for the environment. Urban trees provide important habitat for wildlife, including migratory birds, pollinators, and endangered species. Trees reduce the impacts of climate change by absorbing carbon dioxide and countering the emissions from transportation and fossil fuel energy production. Annually, an acre of mature trees can absorb carbon dioxide equivalent to a car driven 26,000 miles. In addition to reducing carbon dioxide in the atmosphere, trees can reduce the need to use energy in homes and buildings. According to Energy.gov, a household can reduce energy consumption for heating and cooling by up to 25%, or between $100 and $250 saved per year, with just three carefully placed trees. Urban trees are also necessary for erosion control and the reduction of flooding. Tree roots reduce landslides and improve soil stabil- ity, and all vegetation soaks up rainwater and reduces runoff. In the coming decades in Western North Carolina, we can expect increased rainfall and cloudburst rain events due to climate change, making the preservation and planting of urban trees even more necessary.

Finally, urban trees are good for neighborhoods and cities. Trees improve property values, and a fully landscaped property will sell faster and for higher prices than a home without trees. A study in Atlanta showed that homes in neighborhoods with mature trees sold for almost $105,000 more than homes in neighborhoods without mature tree canopy. Urban trees also reduce crime at all levels. Areas with trees and landscaping are less vulnerable to graffiti, vandalism, and littering. Major cities show a reduction in violent and aggressive crimes of between 12% - 25% in areas where street trees are present. In Western North Carolina, our economy thrives on tourism, which is supported by our beautiful mountain forests and tree-lined city streets.

As a builder, there is much you can do to enhance the urban tree canopy and ensure that the bene- fits of trees are passed on in the neighborhood. Meeting the minimum development codes is a start, but with thoughtful planning and design, the landscaping budget can be used to increase property value, improve stormwater runoff, and save energy. Green building practices encourage sustainable design and construction, beginning with the planning stage. Preserving mature trees on a site will provide the maximum benefits of shade and carbon sequestration, and this can then be supplemented with additional plantings that enhance the landscape and improve stormwater runoff or encourage pollinators. Luckily, our region is well supported by academic, non-profit, and professional partners who are available to assist with sustainable landscaping practices.

Homeowners can also enhance climate resilience, maximize energy savings, and enjoy shade benefits of their urban tree canopy. While many homesites already have mature, native trees, those that lack trees can use plantings to increase the beauty and function of their landscaping, while also decreasing maintenance and annual costs. Partnering with certified green landscaping and construction partners will return investment dollars through reductions in energy use and an increase in property value. Trees truly are a win-win for homeowners, the community, and the environment.

Here in Western North Carolina, we are surrounded by nature and gorgeous forests, but we still have to be thoughtful about how we care for our environment. Taking the time to plan for tree preservation and green landscaping at the beginning of a building project can provide innumerable benefits for both homeowners and the land. Protecting our urban forests is essential for a sustainable and healthy future.

Amy Smith is a Professor of Science at Purdue University Global and a REALTOR® with Modern Mountain Real Estate in Asheville. She is a GREEN certified real estate agent, is LEED AP accredited, and holds an MS in Forest Ecology and Management as well as an MS in Environmental Policy. Amy formerly served as the Chair of the Asheville Urban Forestry Commission and is a volunteer member of the Asheville Tree Protection Taskforce.