Surprising facts about the significance of trees in our community
- Over a year, an acre of forest can consume the amount of carbon dioxide created by driving a car 26,000 miles, about twice the annual mileage for an average driver.
By reducing wind exposure, trees near a home can reduce heating bills by 2-8%.
- A strategically placed tree in your yard can reduce annual air conditioning costs by about 9% and add 1% to the sales price of the property per year.
- A single front yard tree can intercept 760 gallons of rainwater in its crown, reducing runoff and flooding on your property.
- A mature tree can reduce peak summer temperatures by 2° to 9°. If planted near a building, the cooling effects of evapotranspiration and shading can reduce energy bills by 7% to 40%.
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The average healthy mature tree produces roughly 260 lbs of net oxygen annually. The average person consumes 386 lbs of oxygen per year.
- Studies show that trees in urban areas improve cognitive function, reduce crime, promote a more active lifestyle (thus improving health), and provide a sense of accomplishment to the community. Children who play in green spaces display a lower incidence of ADHD symptoms and improved performance in school.