Other Benefits of Urban Forests

Oxygen Production

Oxygen production is one of the most commonly cited benefits of urban trees. It is directly related to carbon sequestration because it is through the photosynthesizing process that plants both take up carbon and put out oxygen. The amount of oxygen produced is proportional to the size of the forest. Though the UERLA analyses did not measure oxygen outputs of trees, the carbon sequestration rates can give some idea of relative oxygen production rates between parks. This tree benefit is relatively small compared to the large and relatively stable amount of oxygen in the atmosphere and extensive production by aquatic systems.

Wildlife Habitat

As a vital part of the landscape, trees provide a habitat for a host of animals and other plants. They provide shelter from predators and weather, food sources, and nesting material, among other important services. Native oak trees for example support many types of caterpillars. These insects will go on to feed predators such as birds which will feed even larger predators and so on and so forth, sustaining the food web.

Trees and Building Energy Use

Trees affect energy consumption by shading buildings, providing evaporative cooling, and blocking winter winds. In the summer months, trees tend to lower building energy consumption directly by blocking solar heat gain, reducing the need for air conditioning. Trees can indirectly cool urban areas through evapotranspiration, a natural misting effect as they release water through their leaves. During the winter months, trees serve as a windbreaker, keeping cold air from blowing against the buildings. By directly and indirectly decreasing heating and cooling energy use, urban forests indirectly help improve air quality and decrease carbon emissions.

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Thanks for reading! If you want to learn more about the value of urban forests, check out UERLA's resource briefs from 2017 and 2018.

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References

^{Ferguson, K. (2017). UERLA Resource Brief: Ecobenefits of National Capital Region Park Trees. Retrieved from https://irma.nps.gov/DataStore/Reference/Profile/2290091.}
_{Gallagher, A. M. (2021). Strategic Approaches to Tree Management Can Promote Climate Resiliency and Protect Ecosystem Services. Arborist News. 30(5) 30-38.}

^{Garner, J. (2018). UERLA Resource Brief: Quantifying Ecological Benefits of Trees in the National Capital Region. Retrieved from https://irma.nps.gov/DataStore/Reference/Profile/2290092.}
_{National Park Service. (n.d.). Bird, Pollinator, & Wildlife Habitat Not Just for National Parks Anymore. Retrieved from https://www.nps.gov/articles/bird-pollinator-wildlife-habitat-not-just-for-national-parks-anymore.htm}

^{Nowak, D. J., Appleton, N., Ellis, A., & Greenfield, E. (2017). Residential building energy conservation and avoided power plant emissions by urban and community trees in the United States. Retrieved from https://www.nrs.fs.fed.us/pubs/53420}
_{Urban Ecology Research Learning Alliance. (2018). i-Tree Ecosystem Analysis: Urban Forest Effects and Values. Retrieved from https://irma.nps.gov/DataStore/Reference/Profile/2290090.}