Atlanta’s Urban Forest
Benefits
- Preserve existing trees and forests.
- Increase space for tree planting.
- Preserve and improve the quality of the tree-growing environment.
- Select trees for diversity and suitability.
- Select efficient planting locations.
- Manage the urban forest as a continuous resource regardless of ownership boundaries.
- Provides a canopy and habitat for wildlife.
- Provides protection against the increase in cancer-causing ultraviolet rays.
- Absorbs noise, dust, and heat..
- Reduces glare..
- Provides employment related to tree planting, care, and maintenance.
- Enhances parks and playgrounds.
- Transforms barren areas and provides buffers from harsh urban landscapes.
- Increases property values and business traffic.
- Provides spiritual and creative inspiration.
- Provides health, recreational, psychological, and social benefits, (including reduction in crime!).
- Adds unity, identity, landmarks, and pride to communities working together.
- Provides a sense of connection to the past.
- Saves municipal expenditures for storm water management infrastructure, ozone non-attainment, lost wages, and other costs associated with asthma and other illnesses related to poor air quality.
Atlanta’s Urban Forest
Benefits
- Preserve existing trees and forests.
- Increase space for tree planting.
- Preserve and improve the quality of the tree-growing environment.
- Select trees for diversity and suitability.
- Select efficient planting locations.
- Manage the urban forest as a continuous resource regardless of ownership boundaries.
- Provides a canopy and habitat for wildlife.
- Provides protection against the increase in cancer-causing ultraviolet rays.
- Absorbs noise, dust, and heat..
- Reduces glare..
- Provides employment related to tree planting, care, and maintenance.
- Enhances parks and playgrounds.
- Transforms barren areas and provides buffers from harsh urban landscapes.
- Increases property values and business traffic.
- Provides spiritual and creative inspiration.
- Provides health, recreational, psychological, and social benefits, (including reduction in crime!).
- Adds unity, identity, landmarks, and pride to communities working together.
- Provides a sense of connection to the past.
- Saves municipal expenditures for storm water management infrastructure, ozone non-attainment, lost wages, and other costs associated with asthma and other illnesses related to poor air quality.
Adapted from MODEL URBAN FOREST HANDBOOK, Georgia Forestry Council and THE SIMPLE ACT OF PLANTING A TREE: A Citizen Forester’s Guide to Healing Your Neighborhood, Your City, and Your World, Tree People.