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Benefits of the Urban Forest

Agenda
Urban forest overview
Benefits Issues in Toronto

Improving the Junctions urban forest


Ontario Residential Benefits Estimator Plant new & steward existing LEAFs Backyard Tree Planting Program

What is the urban forest?

Our urban forest has an estimated structural value of $7 billion!

It also provides the equivalent of $60 million in ecological services each year!

Benefits of the Urban Forest

Brings Communities Together


More trees in a public space can bring more people together, fostering stronger community interactions Trees reduce mental fatigue caused by a stressful, fast paced urban lifestyle Urban noise reduction

Promotes Safe Communities


Improved road safety & reduced crime

Supports our Wildlife

Keeps urban wildlife fed, nested and occupied

Reduces Storm Water

Intercept rainfall and reduce storm water runoff

Mitigates Pollution & Carbon

Carbon sequestration and pollution interception

Saves Energy
Torontos trees are estimated to reduce energy costs by $9.7 million annually

Ontario Residential Tree Benefits Estimator


Online tool that estimates benefits provided by residential trees Calculations incorporate:
regionally specific growth curves for native sp Length of growing season for Ontario cities Current utility rates

Ontario Residential Tree Benefits Estimator


kWh saved from shade provided over your home
Value ($) of kWh saved at current market value Instantaneous electricity demand (kW) saved

Amount CO2 absorbed from the atmosphere


Amount CO2 avoided as a result of saving energy (KWh) Volume of precipitation intercepted and averted from municipal stormwater management systems Amount of common air pollutants filtered from the air Replacement value of tree

Increases Property Value


Trees increase property values
Toronto neighbourhoods with highest forest cover are also areas of high average real estate value Trees can add up to 18% in value to the average sale price of a home Appraised homes with trees are 3-10% more than comparable homes that are not wooded (CUFC)

Increases Property Value


Green space (parks, greenways, forest, etc.) near residential homes has been associated with increases in property values
A good view can add 8% to the value of a single family house

Appraised homes adjacent to well-maintained parks/open spaces priced about 8-10% more than comparable properties elsewhere

Torontos Urban Forest


3.5 million trees (34%) in City parks and natural areas

0.6 million (6%) City street trees living in stressful conditions 6.1 million (60%) growing on private property in Toronto

Whats happening in Torontos forest

An Aging Canopy
Trees planted at the same time are approaching maturity

Geriatric canopies will suffer massive removals in the next 10-15 years
Forest cover would start to decline if tree planting in Toronto stopped

Emerald Ash Borer


Approx. 860,000 ash trees on public and private land in Toronto (8.4% of total canopy cover)
Most expected to become infested and die by 2017

Urban Stresses

Urban Stresses
Drought Nutrient-poor soils Grey infrastructure Compaction Exotic pests Confined space Salt damage Vandalism, lawn-mower & construction damage Development

Urban Stresses
Poor air quality Improper staking Conflicts with underground utilities Lack of diversity Lack of protection for mature, heritage trees Massive tree removals as an attempt to prevent spreading exotic species.

What YOU can do!

Backyard Tree Planting Program

How BYTP Works


Certified LEAF arborist conducts site consultation with homeowner on site We deliver, plant and mulch the tree/shrub in the next planting season
We provide tree care instructions at time of planting to ensure the trees long term care

After four years

Before

After

More leaves = more benefits

W.A.Kenney Ph.D. R.P.F.

Community Action
St. Clair Street West Inventory Annex TreesPlease Roncesvalles Renewed Bayview Adopt a Tree Harbord Village Residence Association Friends of Trinity Bellwoods Park Adopt a Tree Ben Nobleman Orchard (Growing for Green)

Thank You!

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