Benefits of Trees

i-Tree

"i-Tree is a combination of science and free tools that:

• Quantifies the benefits and values of trees around the world.
• Aids in tree and forest management and advocacy.
• Shows potential risks to tree and forest health.
• Is based on peer-reviewed, USDA Forest Service Research."

This open source package was piloted in the UK by Treeconomics with project partners.

Chichester Tree Wardens' ChiTrees project uses tree-recording app Treezilla, which is based on the i-Tree system. Read more about the project, including how you can help quantify the value/benefits of Chichester's urban trees, here.

Public Health

(NHS)

NHS Forest is an alliance of health sites working to transform their green space to realise its full potential for health, wellbeing and biodiversity, and to encourage engagement with nature. It is run by the Centre for Sustainable Healthcare, an independent UK charity, as part of its Green Space for Health programme. The NHS Forest website includes a database of evidence and resources (academic research, policy briefings, tools and reports) covering all aspects of green space and health, from biodiversity and climate change to green social prescribing and connection to nature.

Public Health

(West Sussex County Council and partners)

The Joint Strategic Needs Assessment (JSNA) is the evidence base that underpins strategic Public Health decision-making in West Sussex by West Sussex County Council and its partners. Trees have a role to play.

In April 2021, WSCC published Creating healthy and sustainable places for West Sussex. It references (page 10) Homes England's Building for a Healthy Life: a Design Code for neighbourhoods, streets, homes and public spaces (July 2020).

Safe Streets

University of Washington

Article reviewing the research on roadside vegetation benefits, and the scientific evidence concerning city trees, and transportation safety.

Treeconomics

Treeconomics is a social enterprise that works internationally with community groups, research organisations, public bodies, municipalities and private business to complete projects which highlight the value of trees.

"Once you value and understand a resource, you can start to manage it, making sure it provides benefits for future generations. With better information we can make better and more informed decisions about our natural resources."

UK air pollution removal: how much pollution does vegetation remove in your area?

The Office for National Statistics has a work strand that includes trees and their economic benefits. One example is “UK air pollution removal: how much pollution does vegetation remove in your area?” which includes an interactive map.

See also Tree Planting and Management - Phytosensor Toolkit for research which may help inform planting choices for urban gardens.

Links checked: 28th February 2023.