Why It Matters

Greenspaces restore our local economies. They create stronger, more cohesive communities with real dollars-and-cents benefits.

Commerce: Treescaped business districts average 12% higher revenue than treeless areas, and consumer responses to green retail and business locations are consistently positive. “Views of green” have even been shown to improve employee satisfaction and productivity for area businesses.

Property values & rent rates: Planting a tree within 50 feet of a residence can increase its value by 9%. Houses within 1/4 mile of a park average 10% higher value. And the reclamation and greening of vacant lots has been shown to increase adjacent property values by 30%.

Safety: Beautification projects bring neighbors together, building pride, cohesion and connection. Public housing areas with trees and vegetation have shown up to a 50% reduction in both violent crimes and property crimes.


Health: Green public spaces encourage exercise, while local gardens promote healthy eating habits and better nutrition. Access to public greenspaces has been shown to lower heart rates and reduce stress, and even has been connected to reduced rates of asthma, ADD and skin cancer.

Infrastructure savings: Treescapes reduce soil erosion, decrease stormwater runoff (reducing need for mechanical controls), and extend the life of street/sidewalk surfaces because of shade. Street trees in Minneapolis are shown to save $6.8 million annually in energy costs, and $9.1 million in stormwater treatment.

More: For a comprehensive look at the benefits of community greening, click here: http://depts.washington.edu/hhwb