The Value of Street Trees

For the past four decades, the City of Hollywood has been a Tree City USA, meaning it has maintained a focus on improving and protecting its urban forest despite its densely populated community. In carrying on this tradition, Hollywood received a $25,500 matching grant from the US Forest Service and hired a consultant to conduct Phase I of a city-wide tree inventory. This project identifies and collects data on every tree located on City-owned or managed property. Once completed, this inventory will allow the City to better manage and expand its tree canopy. The public can gain a better understanding of the significant role that urban forests play in everyday life.

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.

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 CO₂benefits.

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.