Large trees can be used to great effect to help tie a new development into the landscape by adding instant maturity to the scheme and giving the buildings some scale in their surroundings. New developments are often in need of screening trees in order to create a feeling of privacy and personal space. By working with the design team from the outset Civic Trees are able to make larger trees more cost effective and give developers an extra edge over their competitors.
There are may benefits to planting large trees: Fiscal benefits
A Natural England study calculated that every £1 spent on tree planting would yeild £7 in savings in terms of infrastructure and energy costs. Urban trees can increase real estate values. Independent studies show a consistent increase in property values in tree lined streets of between 5-15%.
Climate / Air Quality
For every 10% increase in a city tree canopy, Ozone is reduced by between 3-7%. Trees are proven to absorb carbon, removing it from the air and storing it as cellulose in their trunks, branches and leaves. A single tree can absorb CO2 at a rate of 21.6kg per year and release enough Oxygen back into the atmosphere to support two human beings. Planting trees is one of the most cost-effective means of removig excess CO2 from the atmosphere. Sulphur Dioxide, Nitroge Oxides and particulates, Carbon Monoxide, Cadmium, Nickel and Lead are all substances that a tree will remove from the atmosphere and store. Research has shown a 60% reduction in particulates from exhaust fumes etc in tree-lined streets. Trees reduce temperatures by both creating shade and through water transpiration thus reducing air conditioning costs and energy bills. One mature tree can have the same effect on cooling as 10 room-sized air-conditioning units. Similarly tree planting reduces the effects of urban heat islands and hot spots in built-up areas meaning trees can save up to 10% of local energy consumption used for climate moderation.
Health & Well-being
By filtering and reducing air pollution and providing shade, trees can have a positive impact on the incidents of skin cancer and asthma. Exposure to trees in the landscape has been shown to reduce hypertension and stress-related illnesses. Trees form effective sound barriers by absorbing noise. Trees reduce light pollution.
Social Benefits
Researches have discovered a link between the theraputic and calming benefits of tree planting and a reduction in both violent and petty crime Trees improve the liveability of an area.
SUDS
Trees act as reservoirs, capturing up to 100,000 litres per annum by allowing some to evaporate, some to be absorbed into the tree and the rest to soak into the ground. Reducing storm water run-off in this way also helps combat topsoil erosion.