We all know that trees improve air and water quality, capture and store carbon, provide shade, increase biodiversity, reduce winter temperature variances, reduce average heat wave temperatures and help to minimise stormwater damage.
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But scientists and economists are just beginning to appreciate the multiple benefits and economic value that street trees provide in urban environments.
The value returned through improved amenity, reduced electricity consumption, infrastructure durability improvements due to greater shading, ecosystem services, increased property values, reduced heat stress affecting the community, impacts on health is starting to be quantified and included in urban planning decisions.
All these benefits and the value returned increase with increasing canopy cover. This means that when mature, trees have crowns large enough to interact with each other.
So what works best? The bigger the tree the better. A mix of deciduous and evergreen species is best and the more trees the better - regularly and tightly spaced along the street.
A recent report produced by infrastructure firm AECOM, Green Infrastructure, aimed to quantify the financial, social and environmental value of street trees in the Australian context.
Did you know that Mid-Western Council have a Street Tree Planting Policy and will supply and plant two street trees per urban block?
Just drop in to Council and submit a works request or contact Jenny Neely for more information on 6378 2745.
