CNBNews

Trees provide many benefits to communities such as increasing property value and beautifying neighborhoods. Trees supply oxygen in the air that we need to breath, having more trees means that there is less carbon dioxide in the air, trees lower air temperatures, making neighborhoods cooler, they also cut down noise pollution by acting as sound barriers, and their roots stabilize soil and prevent erosion.

Trees also provide shade and shelter during hot summer months, and help reduce yearly heating and cooling bills, saving 2.1 billion dollars annually.

ECONOMIC VALUES OF TREES

-Trees can increase property values. Some trees alone can be valued between $150,000-$250,000, drastically increasing property values.

-Trees reduce runoff and erosion from storms by 7% and reduce erosion around houses and other buildings. In urban areas, such as Gloucester City trees can save cities thousands of dollars because they prevent soil erosion.

-Trees increase the quality of life in neighborhoods where streets are lined with trees rather than streets with barren sidewalks and only a few trees.

ENERGY SAVINGS

-The net cooling effect of a healthy tree is equivalent to 10 room-size air conditioners operating 20 hours a day.

-Trees serve as windbreakers around buildings and homes which can save up to 25% on winter heating bills.

-Trees can save up to 30% in air-conditioning costs if planted on the east and west sides of houses and buildings.

-Trees can save households $100-$250 dollars per year in energy savings.

-Throughout the next few weeks and months, the Gloucester City Tree and Beautification Committee will be releasing information about the benefits of trees to the Gloucester City News, Clearysnotebook, and TV Channel 19. If you have questions or concerns please contact Eric Fetterolf, 2009 City Contact/Project Coordinator at 856-456-7105 or [email protected], John P. Schmidt, 2009 Chairman via email at [email protected], or attend one of the Gloucester City Tree and Beautification Committee’s meetings which are held on the second Thursday of the month at 6:30p.m. at 313 Monmouth Street (City Hall).