Piedmont Community Tree Guide Benefits, Costs, and Strategic Planting November 2006

This report quantifies benefits and costs for small, medium, and large broadleaf trees and one coniferous tree in the Piedmont region: the species chosen as representative are dogwood (Cornus florida), Southern magnolia (Magnolia grandiflora), red maple (Acer rubrum), 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). We assume a 55% survival rate over a 40-year time frame. Tree care costs and mortality rates are based on results from a survey of municipal and commercial arborists. Benefits are calculated using tree growth curves and numerical models that consider regional climate, building characteristics, air pollutant concentrations, and prices.