Environment

Urban Forestry

Benefits of Trees

The primary benefits provided by an urban forest come in three key areas:

1. Environmental Benefits

Slowing Global Climate Change - Urban trees help offset climate change by capturing atmospheric carbon dioxide in their tissue, reducing energy used by buildings, and reducing carbon dioxide emissions from fossil-fuel based power plants.

Water Quality Protection - Urban trees capture rainfall on their leaves and branches and take up water, acting as natural stormwater capture and retention devices.

Improved Air Quality - Trees remove dust and other pollutants from the air. In fact, one tree can remove 26 pounds of carbon dioxide from the atmosphere annually, the equivalent of 11,000 miles of car emissions.

Lower Summer Air Temperature - Urban forests reduce urban temperatures significantly by shading buildings and concrete and returning humidity to the air through evaporative cooling.

Natural Resource Conservation - By using trees to modify temperatures, the amount of fossil fuels used for cooling and heating by homeowners and businesses is reduced. Our City’s street trees provide valuable energy savings.

Wildlife Habitat – Kamloops urban forest provides habitat - including food and shelter for many species of birds, insects, and other wildlife, as well as environmental education resources for residents of all ages.

2. Economic Benefits

Increased Property Values - A significant link exists between the value of a property and its proximity to parks, greenbelts, and other green spaces. Consumers value a landscaped home up to 11.3 percent higher than its base price. Street trees provide increased property values.

Community and Business District Appeal - The greening of business districts increases community pride and positive perception of an area, drawing customers to the businesses.

3. Health and Lifestyle Benefits

Improved Health - There is growing evidence that trees help reduce air pollutants that can trigger asthma and other respiratory illnesses. Green spaces also encourage physical activity - a healthy habit for all residents of the Tournament Capital of Canada.

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Contact
Urban Forest
955 Concordia Way
Kamloops, BC V2C 6V3
ph (250)828-3461
fax (250) 828-3790
email scook@kamloops.ca

Note: All correspondence is entered into our system, and will be dealt with in due process. Please allow several working days for a response. Thank you.