Well-maintained trees in San Jose have several economic advantages, including adding value to homes and properties and stimulating economic development.
Additionally, trees provide environmental and aesthetic benefits that contribute to a more robust, diverse, and healthy community forest.
Increase in Property Value Through Tree Landscaping
Landscaped homes with well-maintained trees have 5 to 20 percent higher property values than non-landscaped homes.
Large trees in yards along streets increase a home’s value from 3 percent to 15 percent. In Portland, Oregon, street trees grow the value of homes by $1.1 billion, an average increase of $7,020 for each house.
Thus, adding and maintaining trees is a rock-solid investment that increases property value.
Attracting Businesses and Tourism through Tree Maintenance
Well-maintained trees can also stimulate economic development, attracting businesses and tourism.
Companies prefer to locate in areas with a healthy tree cover as it improves the area’s aesthetic appeal and can attract customers.
Tourists are also more likely to visit and spend time in areas with well-maintained trees and green spaces.
Environmental and Aesthetic Benefits of Trees
In addition to the economic benefits, well-maintained trees provide environmental and aesthetic benefits that contribute to a more robust, diverse, and healthy community forest.
Shade and Shelter
Trees offer shade and shelter, especially in urban areas where heat islands can develop.
The shade provided by trees can reduce the temperature in the surrounding area, making it more comfortable for people and animals.
The shelter trees can also offer protection from elements like wind and rain.
Aesthetic Appeal
The aesthetic appeal of trees cannot be understated. Trees add beauty to our surroundings and have been shown to improve mental health and well-being.
Studies have shown that being in a natural environment with trees can reduce stress, anxiety, and depression.
Energy Savings
Trees can also contribute to energy savings by providing shade to buildings, reducing the need for air conditioning in the summer.
Additionally, trees can act as windbreaks, reducing the need for heating in the winter.
Mental and Physical Health
A community forest provides many environmental services to the city, which are correlated with mental and physical health.
Seeing trees, parks, and gardens in a town has been scientifically linked to reduced psychological and physical stress, better student performance in school, and better attention to tasks while at work.
Active and Healthy Lifestyles
Tree-lined streets are more walkable, contribute to more active and healthy lifestyles, and can reduce both the number of traffic collisions and the severity of injury for car and pedestrian or cyclist crashes.
San Jose Tree Rebate Program
The City of San Jose offers a Tree Rebate Program to provide a financial incentive to purchase a tree to fill the urban forest.
The program aims to increase the number of trees planted in San Jose and to help residents save money on their energy bills by planting shade trees.
Final Thoughts on Tree Maintenance
Keeping trees well-maintained in San Jose offers several economic advantages, including increasing property values and stimulating economic development.
Moreover, well-maintained trees provide environmental and aesthetic benefits that contribute to a more robust, diverse, and healthy community forest.
The City of San Jose actively supports the planting of trees through its Tree Rebate Program, which provides financial incentives for residents to purchase and plant trees.
With all these benefits, it is clear that keeping trees well-maintained in San Jose is an investment in your property, the community, and the environment.