Air conditioning Quote by Jim Robbins
““Even viewed conservatively, trees are worth far more than they cost to plant and maintain. The U.S. Forest Service's Center for Urban Forest Research found a ten-degree difference between the cool of a shaded park in Tucson and the open Sonoran desert. A tree planted in the right place, the center estimates, reduces the demand for air conditioning and can save 100 kilowatt hours in annual electrical use, about 2 to 8 percent of total use. Strategically planted trees can also shelter homes from wind, and in cold weather they can reduce heating fuel costs by 10 to 12 percent. A million strategically planted trees, the center figures, can save $10 million in energy costs. And trees increase property values, as much as 1 percent for each mature tree. These savings are offset somewhat by the cost of planting and maintaining trees, but on balance, if we had to pay for the services that trees provide, we couldn't afford them. Because trees offer their services in silence, and for free, we take them for granted.””
About This Quote
Source Report: Urban Forestry Benefits, U.S. Forest Service, 2019
Trees provide extensive, cost‑effective environmental and economic benefits, yet their value is often underappreciated and taken for granted.
In simple terms: Trees give many free benefits we often ignore.
Key Takeaway
Invest in planting and preserving trees.
Themes
environment
economics
urban planning
ecosystem services
valuation
Mood
optimistic
pragmatic
inspirational
Type
policy
environmental
educational
When to use this quote
- city planning
- homeowners
- energy savings
- property investment
Key Concepts
ecosystem services
cost‑benefit analysis
sustainability
Questions to Reflect On
- How can cities fund large‑scale tree planting?
- What policies encourage private tree stewardship?
A Different Perspective
Initial planting and maintenance costs can be a barrier for some communities.
