What are the values of different species of trees?
Forests and trees reduce air pollution by absorbing gaseous pollutants and filtering dust, ash, and smoke. A dense grove of trees about 50 feet wide reduces apparent loudness of noise by as much as 50%. Forests and trees buffer glare caused by lights and the sun, provide wind protection, and cool the air. They provide habitat for wildlife and improve the quality of our lives. To see the national average of how trees save on, for example, air conditioning costs and erosion costs, log onto www.dnr.state.md.us/forests/healthreport/urban.html. The timber value of trees varies depending on the species, size, volume, and many other factors. For a listing of recently sold timber, check out the latest stumpage price report at www.naturalresources.umd.edu/Stumpage_Prices.cfm.
