Resources
What to know about tree planting
Minimize Energy Costs
Placing trees strategically around a home can cut summer air conditioning needs by up to 50 percent. By reducing the energy demand for cooling our homes, we can reduce the carbon dioxide and other pollutant emissions from our power plants.
Lower Crime Rates
Neighborhoods and homes that are barren have shown to have a greater incidence of violence as compared to their greene counterparts. Trees and landscaping help reduce the level of fear, both from inside and outside of the home.
Mitigate Summer Temps
By shading our homes and streets, trees can cool a city by up to 10 degrees F. Releasing water and vapor into the air through their leaves, mature trees can mitigate these urban heat waves.
Manage Stormwater & Erosion
Trees slow stormwater runoff and hold soil in place. Trees can absorb up to 150 gallons of water a day and can alleviate the strain on our water & sewer systems.
Diminish Noise Pollution
Trees cut down on noise pollution by providing a buffer from cars, machinery, exhausts, and other homes.
Reduce Air Pollution
Trees absorb odors and pollutant gases (nitrogen oxides, ammonia, sulfur dioxide, and ozone) and filter particulates out of the air by trapping them on their leaves and bark.
Combat Climate Change
Excess carbon dioxide is building up in our atmosphere, contributing to climate change. Trees absorb CO2, removing and storing the carbon while releasing clean oxygen back into the air. In one year, an acre of mature trees can absorb the same amount of CO2 produced by driving a car 26,000 miles.
Create Economic Opportunity
Fruit harvested from community orchards can be sold, thus providing income. Small business opportunities in tree care, landscaping and green waste management arise when cities utilize trees. Vocational training for youth interested in green jobs is also a great way to develop economic opportunities from trees.
Increase Property Values
A home with a tree can increase it property value by 20%. A home on a block with trees is considered safer than a barren street and a home could sell up to 2 days faster than one without a tree.
Promote Physical Activity
Trees can shade us from UV rays, which are a leading cause of cancer. Trees reduce the UV-B exposure by about 50%, thus protecting our children & citizens.
Decrease Stress Levels
Studies have shown that people with views of trees heal faster, have lower heart rates, lowers levels of stress, reduce of mental fatigues and symptoms of street, ADD, and anxiety.
Trees are cost effective. Check these links out to learn more!
Local Civic Associations
Nearby Tree Tenders or Greening Groups
Norris Square Tree Tenders
Old/South Kensington Tree Tenders
South Kensington Community Partners Greening
Northern Liberties Neighborhood Association Quality of Life Committee
PHS Resources
Great places to see trees in or near Philadelphia:
Bartram’s Garden located in Philadelphia, PA
Stoneleigh: A Natural Garden in Villanova, PA
Bowman’s Hill Wildflower Preserve located in New Hope, PA
Chanticleer: A Pleasure Garden located in Wayne, PA
Fairmount Park located in Philadelphia, PA,
Longwood Gardens located in Kennett Square, PA
Morris Arboretum of the University of Pennsylvania located in Philadelphia, PA
Schuylkill Center for Environmental Education located in Philadelphia PA

