The Magic of Trees

Creating a great map is more than just generating a picture of lines and names and dots. With powerful tools like ArcGIS, complex analyses can be completed to show patterns and what a mapmaker can "see" in reality. Before a mapping analysis can be completed, however, significant research, as well as the collection of quantitative data, must happen in order for the resulting map analysis to be as rich and unbiased as possible. There are critiques of GIS as leaning too much toward quantitative data as opposed to qualitative data; both are critical to a well made map!

For this project, the subject is tree canopy and how canopy can be a benefit to urban inhabitants. We all are aware of the good that trees do ecologically - from filtering stormwater runoff to trapping carbon. This mapping analysis will focus primarily on qualitative research on the benefits of increased tree canopy, especially in regards to mental health, ideal learning environments for students, recovery time, and even how greater tree canopy can lead to increased hope in urban dwellers.

Horse Chestnut at Wright Park Arboretum. Photo: Lauren McKenna

Below is a list from the Alliance for Community Trees of the many benefits trees provide:

- Trees provide oxygen and fresh air; filter out airborne pollutants.

- Urban trees in the U.S. remove 711,000 tons of air pollution annually, at a value of $3.8 billion.

- Property Value: Raised up to 37% by trees and vegetation.

- Roots and branches reduce storm runoff significantly, restoring groundwater tables.

- Shade under a tree can be up to 20 degrees cooler than non-shaded surrounding surfaces.

- Leaves absorb carbon dioxide, sulfur dioxide, nitrous oxides, etc., reducing symptoms of asthma and respiratory diseases.

- Trees shade cars and parking lots, reducing need to air conditioning.

- Young people living in neighborhoods with more trees tend to have lower body-mass indexes.

- Trees absorb noise, reducing noise pollution.

- "Urban trees in the U.S. store 700 million tons of carbon valued at $14 billion with an annual carbon sequestration rate of 22.8 million tons per year valued at $460 million annually."

- Trees provide habitat for urban wildlife.

(Source: http://actrees.org/resources/about-trees/tree-facts/)