The Value of a Tree?

Rikki McGee

[Updated and Re-posted from the Chambers Clover Creek Watershed Council Blog, March 2023]

A friend overheard two college-age young people pondering: “What does a tree matter to me?” She thought they sounded disdainful and not interested in what she saw as a resilient, emblematic, and beautiful part of our environment. What is the value of a tree to you?

Since 2015, Pierce County, WA, organizations (and beyond) have formed to protect and educate citizens and decision-makers about tree preservation. Such efforts have resulted in city-based tree canopy goals, free and low-cost trees available to the public, and citizen action to prevent tree removal. On Anderson Island, WA, we may think of trees in different ways, given their abundance in residential areas, open spaces, and parks. Yet we also know the downsides of trees during and after storms, as woodland has succumbed to disease and is experiencing mixed results from clear-cutting, which can impact the landscape, both natural and man-made. Washington has a long and storied relationship with trees. In the movie Train Dreams (2025), the character Arn Peeples says, ” It was only when you let it alone that a tree might treat you as a friend. After the blade bit in, you had yourself a war.” Consider the following as you think about the value of the trees around you.

Economic Value

Timber industry – Working forests comprise approximately 47% of Washington State forest lands, which generates jobs, taxes, and production of wood & paper products. Rural counties benefit most from this industry because they offer ½ of timber jobs and produce about 80% of the annual harvest.^{1, 2} If you own five or more acres of land with trees grown for harvesting you may quality for the designated forest program.
Outdoor Recreation – Much of Washington’s outdoor recreation takes place in forests, parks, and other natural areas populated by trees. Not only do these activities generate tax revenue through consumer spending, they also attract out-of-state visitors and provide jobs (estimated to be 6% of WA jobs). ³
Property Value and Utility Cost Saving – Trees can add value to a single residential property between 3% and 15%. Moreover tree-lined streets can add value to a neighborhood. ⁴ The U.S. Department of Agriculture estimates that “strategically placed trees save up to 56 percent on annual air-conditioning costs. Evergreens that block winter winds can save 3 % on heating costs.” ⁵

*Tree Canopy Cover, Puget Sound Regional Council – click on image for more information*

Ecosystem & Environmental Value

Habitat – For animals, trees provide shelter, places to raise their young, and sources of food (through seeds, nuts, fruits, bark, and roots). they also host a variety of members of the food chain. ⁶
Clean Air – The U.S. Department of Agriculture states “one acre of forest absorbs six tons of carbon dioxide and puts out four tons of oxygen. This is enough to meet the annual needs of 18 people.”
Water Quality -Transportation Toxins from vehicles and construction can run off into surface water, polluting habitats and clogging waterways. EPA states that the ” metals, oils, other toxic substances, and debris from construction traffic and spillage can be absorbed by soil at construction sites and carried with runoff water to lakes, rivers, and bays.” ⁷

Health & Well-Being Value

Air Quality – Every tree helps remove pollutants from the air; the USDA estimates that “100 trees remove 53 tons of carbon dioxide and 430 pounds of other air pollutants per year.”
Water Quality – Rainwater and snow melt enter our watersheds with the help of tree canopies which slowly release water into the soil and then filter pollutants through their roots with the help of other vegetation. This process also helps to prevent storm water runoff,flooding, and reduce erosion and flooding.⁸
Mental State & Health – Walking among trees can reduce anger, fear, depression, and stress as well as lower blood pressure and improve sleep. Nature can also improve cognitive ability. Even just looking at nature contributes to our healing from an illness. ^{9, 10 11}

What might you do?

Plant a young tree(s) in your yard, a neighbor’s yard, or in a public space, with permission, of course.
Select a tree carefully and learn how to take care of it.
Take more walks in wooded areas and bring a friend or family member.
Celebrate Arbor Day in your community.
Encourage your community to preserve wooded areas and limit tree removal in residential and commercial areas. Learn about the consequences of deforestation. Support a local tree preservation group, such as the Garry Oak Conservancy or the Tacoma Tree Foundation, or TUFF, Tacoma Urban Forest Friends.
Need a bigger scope? See Think globally, act locally.