Street Trees: Why They Benefit You as a Homeowner and City Resident

By: David Fielder, Housing Rehab Specialist, NHS of Baltimore

I am a homeowner in Baltimore City and I love trees. I don’t expect everyone to be as passionate as I am, but let me tell you about the practical reasons why a homeowner should have trees near his/her house.

Do you have noisy neighbors, honking their car horn when they pick someone up?
The leaves and branches of trees help to reduce the amount of noise that radiates through your neighborhood.

Do you have a damp basement?
Tree roots capture water when it rains and release it slowly over time. This means less water flowing down Baltimore’s sidewalks and streets, which can end up in your basement.

Do you like crabs? (I know you do!)
One of the reasons for the high price of crabs is the low numbers of them Watermen are allowed to catch. The reason for the low number is to protect the crab population. The crab population would not need to be protected if the health of the Bay was in better condition. Tree leaves and roots reduce the amount rain run-off into the Bay, which reduces the amount of trash, dirt and oil that is carried into it through the storm sewers.

Do cars drive too fast through your neighborhood?
Studies show that tree lined streets cause people to not drive as fast. I’ll bet you drive slower on 33rd St. than on North Ave. This is because 33rd has more street trees. Plus, more trees on 33rd makes it cooler in the summer while you’re waiting for a red light.

Do you or your kids have asthma?
A Harvard Medical School report indicates children that live in urban areas are being diagnosed with asthma at “epidemic” rates. The report says one reason is due to the amount of pollution in urban air from car and truck exhaust and industrial facilities. Studies show that trees can reduce street level particulates (dust and dirt) up to 60%. American Forests reports an average tree over a 50 year life span will provide $62,000 in air pollution control and make $31,250 worth of oxygen. I know when my windows are open in the Summer my white window sills turn grey with dirt. I hate to see that because I know I am breathing it in as well.

Do you want to increase the value of the rowhouse you just bought?
Research cited by the Alliance for Community Trees (ACT) states that property values of homes in tree lined streets can range from 5-20% higher than homes that do not have trees. Their esearch also shows that houses sell 4 to 6 weeks faster in neighborhoods that have trees.

Do you want to reduce the amount of money you pay to BGE each month?
A study by the University of Florida showed the residents of Gainesville saved an average of $126/year over residents in Ocala. The difference between the two cities is the amount of tree canopy. Gainesville has a larger tree canopy which provides more shade. Other research cited by ACT indicates that summer cooling costs can be reduced by 30-50% by strategically placing trees near your house. Every house in Baltimore does not have the opportunity to have multiple trees near it, but one is better than none.

Are you concerned about crime in your neighborhood, or in Baltimore?
Some people believe trees and shrubs increase the amount of crime because it gives criminals a place to hide. A research study by the University of Illinois showed that 48% fewer property crimes were committed and 56% fewer violent crimes were committed at apartment buildings that have trees and shrubs around them. Street trees that are tended to and stoops with potted flowers are a sign to criminals that neighbors are active in the community. An active community means there are more eyes on the street, making it less likely that criminal will risk taking advantage of someone. Baltimore City can do more to fight crime than just putting up Blue Flashing Lights. They can plant and take care of trees.

Are you tired of paying high city taxes and still driving on roads that damage your car or bike?
A study by the USDA Forest Service showed that every dollar spent on urban forestry realized $1.89 in residual benefits. One major savings benefit was the increased lifetime of asphalt streets, extended by the use of shade of trees. Other research shows the reduction of storm water run-off by tree roots saves on sewer infrastructure maintenance. Have you seen the trash collector in the Harbor after it rains? The amount of bottles, balls, and bags is unbelievable.

Do you want to feel better about you neighborhood and Baltimore?
In a paper written by a University of Buffalo Law Professor, there is a discussion about the positive mental aspects to neighborhoods because of trees. Neighborhoods that are only buildings, streets and sidewalks can increase the stress a person feels about living there. Neighborhoods with trees increase a person’s overall mental health by creating a sense of pride about the neighborhood, making you feel better about your job, creating fewer sick days, reducing the length of hospital stays and lowering stress and instances of domestic violence.

Are you concerned about your Carbon Footprint?
The average US. Citizen generates 2.3 tons (4,600 lbs) of carbon/year.
A mature street tree (12.5” in diameter) stores 897 lbs of carbon/year.
An acre of trees stores 2.6 tons of carbon dioxide/year. This is as much carbon dioxide that is generated from driving a car 26,000 miles.

The size of our carbon footprint is constantly in the new. President Obama is asking all of us to do our part for our nation and our environment. What can be more patriotic than planting street trees? This is an easy step that benefits all Baltimoreans. Besides, the President asked us to!

The seasonal change in trees adds color and beauty to your neighborhood. This is a source of pride for where you live. Trees are always a source of conversation between neighbors. There came a sad day when my neighbor had to cut down a large evergreen tree in her side yard. Not everyone liked the tree but it was a well known landmark. I continually have friends and strangers ask we what happened to that tree.

Local organizations that support trees and urban tree related issues:
Parks & People Foundation
Herring Run Watershed Association
Tree Baltimore
Hampden Community Council (HCC) – Clean & Green Team
Baltimore Ecosystem Study (BES)
Casey Trees