Tree Benefits and Value

Trees provide numerous economic, social and environmental benefits proving they are the ultimate TREEfecta.

Sugar maple during fall in Minnesota

Social Benefits

  • Provide natural beauty and can help people connect with nature

  • Can help reduce workplace stress

  • Can help decrease recovery time after medical procedures

  • May help reduce criminal activity

  • Can be designed as engineering functions to enhance a focal point, provide privacy, emphasize vistas or block undesirable views

  • May soften, complement or enhance architecture and buildings

  • Can help transition animal habitats into our urban settings

  • Provide shade for people and pets

Plum tree during fall in Minnesota

Environmental Benefits

  • Filter air pollutants such as ozone, carbon monoxide and sulfur

  • Absorb carbon dioxide and release oxygen

  • Deciduous shade trees cool homes in the summer and allow the winter sun to heat homes when they lose their leaves

  • Can be an effective way to reduce urban heat islands by cooling the surrounding environment

  • Trees can serve as a windbreak to protect homes

Lake view through tree during winter in Minnesota

Economic Benefits

  • Increased property values

  • Lower air conditioning and heating costs

  • Provide wood material for homes and construction

  • Provide food products such as fruits, nuts, medicines and other needed materials