The economic value of trees in the urban forest as climate changes

Abstract

The aesthetic value of trees in the avenues, boulevards and gardens of Australian cities is widely appreciated, but their economic significance is undervalued. Trees provide services and fulfill functional roles in cities. They are significant components of urban infrastructure and have a real and calculable economic value. An urban forest of 100,000 trees can save $ 1.5 million per annum because their shade reduces electricity consumption and saves water. Shade can prolong the life of tarmac, and carbon is sequestered as trees grow. A large tree growing in a school provides the equivalent shade of four shade sails, returning a value of about $ 2000 per annum, while five trees stabil..