Piedmont Community Tree Guide: Benefits, Costs, and Strategic Planting

"This report quantifies benefits and costs for large, medium, and small broadleaf trees and one coniferous tree in the Piedmont region: the species chosen as representative are red maple (Acer rubrum), Southern magnolia (Magnolia grandiflora), 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). 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.

"The measurements used in modeling environmental and other benefits of trees are based on in-depth research carried out for Charlotte, North Carolina. Given the Piedmont region’s large and diverse geographical area, this approach provides first-order approximations. It is a general accounting that can be easily adapted and adjusted for local planting projects. Two examples are provided that illustrate how to adjust benefits and costs to reflect different aspects of local planting projects." [excerpt from Executive Summary]

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