As well as sequestering carbon, how else do trees save energy, protect the environment and create a positive economic benefit?
In an urban area trees reduce summer temps from 5 to 10 degrees, reduce the need for heating in the winter by slowing the winds, and increase overall real estate values by 3% to 6% (source: Plan B 3.0). According to the March-April 2006 edition of Minnesota Conservation Volunteer, one tree planted on the west side of a house returns per year: $34 in heating costs, $20 in cooling costs, $10 in storm water management, $8 in air quality improvement. In Minneapolis, 200,000 trees return $24.9 million in energy savings alone. A mature tree after expenses subtracted (planting, pruning, removal, etc.) returns $79 per tree per year.
