Tree roots soak up storm water, hold soil in place on steep slopes, and trap pollutants. Trees capture rainfall and help recharge drinking water sources. Runoff from forested areas is 17 percent less than that from developed areas. Economics Three trees planted in the right place around buildings can cut air-conditioning costs up to 50 percent. Trees also may be planted to block the wind and lower heating costs.
Trees increase the value of property.
Houses surrounded by trees sell for 18-25 percent higher than houses with no trees. Consumers say they'd spend up to 13 percent more at businesses that have trees in their landscape. Climate Control Trees provide natural barriers to wind, snow, rain, and sun. Water evaporating from leaves cools the tree and the air around it, making our cities cooler places to live and work. On a hot day, a large tree in full leaf transpires several hundred gallons of water into the air, cooling as much as would six room-size air conditioners.