Urban Tree Canopy Assessments: Part 2
June 19, 2020
The PlanIT Geo™ Geospatial Mapping Services team is passionate about the importance of a quality urban tree canopy assessment.
In this blog series, learn more about the process, why you need one, and how an urban tree canopy assessment will benefit the community.
Part 2: The Benefits of Trees
Remember when you used to climb on your favorite tree as a kid, found that great fishing spot next to a big tree, looked for that parking spot shaded by a tree, or took a walk through a forest and felt calmer and refreshed on the other side? These are just some of the benefits that trees provide.
Urban Heat Island Mitigation
Trees lower temperatures by shading buildings, asphalt and concrete, reducing the urban heat island effect and improving living conditions and human health.
Human Health
Trees have been shown to improve human health by absorbing harmful air pollutants, providing access to nature, and lowering stress levels.
Energy Conservation
Trees can insulate buildings from extreme temperatures and winds, keep properties cool, and reduce air conditioning and heating utility bills.
Water Quality and Stormwater Absorption
Trees provide a range of water quality and stormwater management benefits including protecting watershed health, drinking water supplies, and property. These mitigating functions are performed through rainfall interception, transpiration (water to gas), infiltration (water absorbed by the soil), and phytoremediation (cleaning of soil, air, and water).
Environmental Equity
Increasing tree canopy in lower-income neighborhoods can decrease summer temperatures, expand recreation opportunities, and improve physical and mental health. Learn more in this case study from Baltimore, Maryland.
”Trees have many more benefits including increasing property value, aesthetics, crime reduction, traffic calming, improved bike/pedestrian transportation, and climate change resilience.
Read parts 3 and 4 of this blog series to learn how an urban tree canopy assessment will help you understand and manage this critical resource.
View our interactive Urban Tree Canopy Assessments Story Map and learn how our Geospatial Mapping Services team can support your community forestry goals.
Blog Series: Urban Tree Canopy Assessments
Part 2: The many benefits of Trees
Part 3: What is an urban tree canopy assessment?
Part 4: What will I get out of an urban tree canopy assessment?