Coastal Plain Community Tree Guide Benefits, Costs, and Strategic Planting November 2006

This report quantifies benefits and costs for representative large, medium, and small broadleaf trees and coniferous trees in the Coastal Plain region: the species chosen as representative are the Southern live oak (Quercus virginiana), Southern magnolia (Magnolia grandiflora), flowering dogwood (Cornus florida), and loblolly pine (Pinus taeda), respectively. The analysis describes "yard trees" (those planted in residential sites) and "public trees" (those planted on streets or in parks). Benefits are calculated using tree growth curves and numerical models that consider regional climate, building characteristics, air pollutant concentrations, and prices. Tree care costs and mortality rates are based on results from a survey of municipal and commercial arborists. We assume a 65% survival rate over a 40-year time frame.