Trees bring social, economic and environmental benefits. The process of tree-planting can bring communities together whilst helping to improve the appearance and feel of urban areas. Trees therefore have a significant role to play in urban regeneration initiatives and their true potential as a cost effective tool in helping to deliver sustainable development is only just being realised.
Trees can:
- Increase biodiversity, improving and linking habitats, bringing wildlife into town.
- Soften often harsh urban landscapes, making them more appealing.
- Improve air quality.
- Help reclaim contaminated land cost-effectively.
- Help reduce energy bills by providing shade in summer and shelter in winter.
- Reduce the risk of flooding (by intercepting rainfall).
- Reduce park maintenance costs.
- Improve staff performance.
- Reduce stress levels in passers-by.
- Create attractive settings for business.
- Improve the image of our towns, helping to attract inward investment.
- Transform blighted landscapes, reversing urban decay.
- Add value to house prices.
- Increase site security through boundary planting.
- Encourage better public behaviour.
- Provide leafy oases in town centres.
- Promote health, providing a relaxing and therapeutic environment in which to exercise.
Create a greater sense of belonging and pride for an area.
