Benefits of Urban Trees
When a person thinks of trees one might imagine a forest, canopies of trees helping sustain life in the ecosystem. Trees are one of the most valuable assets to the economy. Sadly trees are being ripped out of the ground to make room for the over population of the growing economy. Research has shown the importance and positive benefits of urban trees. Urban trees not only offer benefits to the environment but, housing urban trees can save cities a lot of valuable money by decreasing the affects of potential problems.
It’s a well known fact that trees take in carbon dioxide and let out oxygen as a waste product, in the process of photosynthesis. Trees help purify the air not only by removing carbon dioxide, but also removing sulfur and nitrogen oxide, which cause acid rain(Benefits). Trees act as natural purifiers and have a strong contribution to helping keep a clean safe environment enabling people to live healthier lives. In a study of the benefits of urban trees in Garland, Texas it was discovered that Garland's tree canopy provides the city with benefits, including the annual removal of 497,000 pounds of pollutants, a value estimated at $1.2 million per year. The city's urban forest currently stores an estimated 209,000 tons of carbon and sequesters about 531 tons of carbon each year (Study). Proving to help save money at the same time giving back tremendous benefits to the quality of air provided for the city of Garland.
Incorporating nature as in this case, urban trees, can help reduce cost and effectively have a positive outcome on the environment. With trees ability to block wind and provide substantial shade homeowners can save an abundant amount of money each year. Going back to the study done in Garland, Texas the findings show a true benefit for homeowners. The study found that 4,400 tons of utility-based carbon emissions are avoided each year because of the cooling effects trees have on this urban environment. Long, hot summers force Garland residents to use their air conditioners at an approximate annual cost of $408 dollars per home. Residential shade trees were shown to save each home an average of $28 a year. If 95 percent of the residences have air conditioners, the estimated annual residential savings totals $1.296 million (Study). This finding alone holds meaningful value for homeowners to take into consideration.
Urban trees help aide in conserving city and residential streets by reducing storm water runoff. Trees help reduce storm water runoff by allowing for absorption at the roots. Also, some drops of water that land on leaves and branches evaporate before reaching the ground. By contrast, impervious surfaces like concrete impose additional costs on municipalities that have the responsibility of channeling storm water runoff. Flood control systems and sewer infrastructure are often needed to deal with storm water runoff, and building such facilities costs money--sometimes millions of dollars, which many localities may not have. Localities are mandated by the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency to maintain water quality (Study). Not only are urban trees saving cities money, but stopping potential problems before they happen.
Along with the studies surveys have been completed by the public on the benefits and problems urban trees propose. Viewing such studies done shows almost all residents agree the pros out weigh the cons. The ability of trees to shade and cool surroundings was the highest-ranked benefit (How Urban). Urban trees importances are being recognized with the cons being reasonably small issues compared to the vast benefits taking place. Potential problems with trees were not considered to be reasons not to use trees (How Urban).
Trees are known for their abilities to provide oxygen to living organisms and now have a positive role that has been proved through studies that their natural benefits go far beyond just cleansing the environments air. Urban trees help save cost of heating and cooling homes by offering shade and help shield wind. Providing and preserving trees in cites show benefits in reserving the roads of potential damage from water runoff. Research has shown time and time again cities and home owners can gain undeniable benefits and saving cost by the role urban trees.

Works Cited
Great Neck, Publishing "Benefits of Trees." Monkeyshines on America (2000): 22.
History Reference Center. EBSCO. Web. 15 Nov. 2009
Lohr, Virginia I., et al. "HOW URBAN RESIDENTS RATE AND RANK THE BENEFITS AND PROBLEMS ASSOCIATED WITH TREES IN CITIES." Journal of Arboriculture 30.1 (2004): 28-35. Academic Search Complete. EBSCO. Web. 15 Nov. 2009.
"Study Shows Benefits of Urban Trees." Journal of Environmental Health 63.4 (2000): 40.
Academic Search Complete. EBSCO. Web. 14 Nov. 2009.