The urban forest provides a wealth of benefits to neighborhoods and residents through the reduction of energy consumption, the removal of pollutants from the air and water, reduction in stormwater flows, increased valuation of private property, increased worker productivity, reduction in stress and violent crime, as well as providing recreational opportunities and aesthetic diversity. The Natural Resources Planning Department fosters scientific-based studies to maximize the beneficial interactions between citizens and nature.
Urban Forest Economic Benefits
- Each year, Tampa’s urban forest:
- Reduces 808 tons of air pollutants that cause respiratory problems — eliminating an estimated $4.5 million in health care costs
- Reduces residential building air conditioning (shading) and heating (wind break) costs by $7 million
- Reduces 50 million cubic feet of stormwater runoff (valued at $3.4 million)
- Stores 865 million tons of carbon in trees and woody shrubs (valued at $112 million)
- Sequesters 62,000 tons/year of atmospheric carbon by trees and shrubs (valued at $8 million)
- In addition to the $134.9 million dollars in ecosystem services listed above, an investigation into home prices and tree cover conducted as part of this assessment found:
- The sale price of single-family homes increased between $155 to $164 for every 1% increase in tree canopy within the 500-foot neighborhood surrounding the house lot.
- With 32% canopy coverage citywide, Tampa’s urban forest increases home values by $5,248 on average.
For questions or inquiries regarding natural resources planning, please contact:
Brian Knox - Senior Forester Examiner, City Planning Department
City of Tampa - 1400 N. Boulevard - Tampa, FL 33607
Phone: (813) 274-3187
Email: brian.knox@tampagov.net