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UF/IFAS Extension University of Florida

The Benefits of Trees in the Landscape

A farm with oaks around the house

Have you ever had a favorite tree with fond memories attached? Trees can hold a special place in our hearts, becoming a focal point in the landscape to enjoy and cherish. Whether you look to trees for bird spotting or a place for your children to play, these landscape essentials can provide ample benefits to you and the environment.

Trees provide “ecosystem services,” which are services provided by nature. These services contribute to society by providing economic value and improving human and environmental health. Below is a list of some of the ecosystem services provided by trees that can benefit Florida residents and local wildlife.

Reduce soil erosion, flooding and storm water runoff — Trees help rainwater trickle down to the ground, slowing the fall of the rain with their leaves, branches and bark. This allows the water to enter the aquifer or the tree’s extensive root system, lessening the volume of water and soil that washes away. Trees divert hundreds of gallons of rainfall every year into the earth, where pollutants are filtered out instead of drained into waterways. In fact, Florida’s urban forests reduce stormwater runoff by 50 billion gallons annually1. This helps maintain water quality in local bodies of water.

Reduce energy cost — The shade from trees over homes reduces the need for air conditioning, thereby reducing energy consumption. Research studies have suggested that savings on cooling electricity range from 10-50%, depending on the extent of the shade2. Another study found that a building in full sun required 2.6 times more electricity for cooling than a building in full shade3.

An old oak tree with wide canopy provides shade below

Increase property value — Research indicates that the presence of trees on a property significantly increases the value of the home. This is because people are willing to pay more for a home with tree cover. One study indicated the value of the tree canopy to be up to 10% of the price of the home4.

Reduce carbon dioxide (CO2) — Trees can hold carbon in their roots, trunks, stems and leaves. Most of the mass of a tree is made of carbon that is pulled from the atmosphere as the tree grows. This reduces global CO2 levels in the atmosphere.
Provide food and nutrition- Some trees produce fruits and nuts that are edible (and tasty) to humans. These trees contribute to food security and provide healthy homegrown foods. Florida is an excellent place to grow fruit and nut trees such as the persimmon (Diospyrus kaki), peach (Prunus persica), American x Chinese chestnut (Castanea spp.), sand pear (Pyrus pyrifolia) and papaya (Carica papaya).

Moderate air temperature — “Urban heat island ” is a term used to describe built-up areas where air temperatures have risen significantly higher than surrounding areas with trees and green spaces. You can combat this heat island effect by planting trees surrounding your home, which cool down your outdoor spaces. One review of 308 studies demonstrated that air temperatures in urban forests were on average 3.0°F cooler than urban non-green areas5. In Florida’s extreme heat, shade can make your landscape safer and more enjoyable for work and play. Tree canopy cover has been associated with decreased ambulance calls during extreme heat events and a reduction in heat-related mortality6.

Improve air quality — Trees not only produce oxygen that we need to breathe, they also filter out harmful pollutant gases (such as carbon monoxide, nitrogen oxides, ozone and sulfur oxides) and filter fine particles in the air (such as dust, ash or smoke) by trapping them on the leaves and bark. As a result, the presence of urban trees in residential areas has been tied to reduced incidences of respiratory problems and a lower prevalence of lung cancer6.

Improve mental health and wellbeing — Trees create a peaceful, natural setting that can improve stress levels and promote wellbeing. The Japanese art of “forest bathing,” called Shinrin-yoku, is the restorative act of taking meditative walks through the woods. Forest bathers spend time touching and smelling leaves, bark and flowers. This practice is prescribed by medical practitioners in some countries. It has been shown to decrease stress, lower anxiety, strengthen the immune system, and help people reconnect with nature7.

Hawk with tan and white chest perched on a tree branch and looking at the camera quizzically

Spending time in forested areas has also been correlated with a reduction in measures of anger, depression, confusion and fatigue. It even improves cardiovascular function by lowering blood pressure and heart rate. You can create your own forest sanctuary in your backyard with clusters of trees and benches for resting, wandering and observing. Even a view of trees from a window has positive effects on wellbeing6.

Attract beneficial wildlife — Trees provide food and habitat for wildlife, serving as a refuge and site for nesting. Beneficial species (like birds, bats, frogs, and insects) that rely on trees can feed on damaging garden pests and biting insects.

There are many reasons to plant (or hug) a tree, including the endless benefits to human and environmental health. Thankfully, there are multiple Florida-Friendly tree options available to plant in your landscape. For questions about trees in your home landscape, contact your county Extension office.

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References

  1. McLean, Drew C., Andrew Koeser, Deborah R. Hilbert, Shawn Landry, Amr Abd-Elrahman, Katie Britt, Mary Lusk, Michael Andreu, and Robert Northrop. 2020. “Florida’s Urban Forest: A Valuation of Benefits: ENH1331 EP595, 11 2020”. EDIS 2020 (6). Gainesville, FL. https://doi.org/10.32473/edis-ep595-2020
  2. Akbari, H., Pomerantz, M., & Taha, H. (2001). Cool surfaces and shade trees to reduce energy use and improve air quality in urban areas. Solar Energy, 70(3), 295-310. https://doi.org/10.1016/S0038-092X(00)00089-X
  3. Laband, D. & Sophocleus, J. (2009). An experimental analysis of the impact of tree shade on electricity consumption. Arboriculture & Urban Forestry, 35(4) 197-202. https://doi.org/10.48044/jauf.2009.033
  4. Dimke, K., Sydnor, D., & Gardner, D. (2013). The effect of landscape trees on residential property values of six communities in Cincinnati, Ohio. Arboriculture & Urban Forestry, 39(2) 49-55. https://doi.org/10.48044/jauf.2013.007
  5. Knight, T., Price, S., Bowler, D. et al. (2021). How effective is ‘greening’ of urban areas in reducing human exposure to ground-level ozone concentrations, UV exposure and the ‘urban heat island effect’? An updated systematic review. Environmental Evidence, 10, 12. https://doi.org/10.1186/s13750-021-00226-y
  6. Wolf, K., Lam, S., McKeen, J., Richardson, G., van den Bosch, M., & Bardekjian, A. (2020). Urban trees and human health: a scoping review. International Journal of Environmental Research and Public Health, 17(12), 4371. https://doi.org/10.3390/ijerph17124371
  7. U.S. Department of Agriculture, Forest Service. (2018). Urban nature for human health and well-being: a research summary for communicating the health benefits of urban trees and green space. FS-1096. Washington, DC. 24 p. https://www.govinfo.gov/app/details/GOVPUB-A13-PURL-gpo91156
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