The Value of Street Trees


In 2016, as part of the TD Green Streets Grant, the City of Hollywood added 57 new street trees to the Hollywood Gardens West neighborhood. 

Click here to read the Project Summary


The City-managed street trees in the medians and circles of this neighborhood alone have an annual value of

$16,225

Once they are full grown, the trees added by this grant will annually add another

$6,181

How do street trees translate to dollar value?  See below to find out.

What is the value of street trees?

Hand holding tree seedling, dollar bills replace leaves

Economic

  • Increase property values
  • Reduce energy and water bills
  • Absorb storm water to reduce flooding

Social

  • Reduce driver speeds
  • Improve safety
  • Encourage walking
  • Improve health and wellbeing of residents
  • Improve neighborhood aesthetics

Environmental

  • Enhance ecosystems and benefit wildlife
  • Absorb storm water
  • Reduce ambient temperature
  • Improve air quality
  • Absorb carbon

How can I learn the value of my trees?


You can measure the value of your own trees using the very simple tool at the National Tree Benefit Calculator. It's easy!
  • Step 1: Identify your tree species.
  • Step 2:  Measure the diameter at 4.5 feet above ground. To get diameter, take a regular measuring tape and measure around the trunk (circumference) and divide by 3.14 (π) 
  • Step 3: Answer a basic question about the tree's location.
The National Tree Benefit Calculator will then give you an annual dollar value of benefits provided by your tree broken down by property value improvements, stormwater management, energy savings, air quality improvements, and CO2 benefits. 

How do I choose a tree to maximize value?

If you want to plan your tree planting in order to maximize the value and benefits of your trees, don't fret! There is a tool for that.

In the iTree suite of tools, used to measure the value of the street trees above, there is an application called iTree Species. Enter details about the planting location, target-specific pollution reduction goals and the importance of other benefits. The tool will produce a species list. Compare that to this native plant database to find the native trees on the list or choose the trees recommended by the City's landscape architect.

To find a native plant nursery where you can find your tree, check out this list created by the Broward Native Plant Society. 
itree species

Learn more about the benefits and values of trees and how to use applications such as iTree and iNaturalist to measure value and biodiversity with the following presentations:

Street Trees
The Value of Street Trees
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The City of Hollywood is an Arbor Day Foundation Tree City USA.  For more information about the Arbor Day Foundation and what it takes to be a Tree City USA visit:  https://www.arborday.org/.
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Have you planted trees? Are you using the iTree tools? Post about your experience on social media and tag with #SEENBEINGGREEN