Atlanta's Urban Forest


  1. Provides oxygen. A large tree can meet the daily oxygen requirements for four people.
  2. Cleans the air by absorbing odors and pollution.
  3. Conserves energy by shading and cooling homes and buildings and breaking up urban heat islands, thereby reducing the need for air-conditioning.
  4. Increases air quality by reducing high temperatures that contribute to the creation of ground level ozone.
  5. Reduces water consumption by reducing landscape watering needs and increasing atmospheric moisture. 
  6. Reduces water runoff and soil erosion by breaking rainfall and holding soil.DYK-white-oak
  7. Provides a canopy and habitat for wildlife.
  8. Provides protection against the increase in cancer-causing ultraviolet rays.
  9. Absorbs noise, dust, and heat.
  10. Reduces glare.
  11. Provides employment related to tree planting, care, and maintenance.
  12. Enhances parks and playgrounds.
  13. Transforms barren areas and provides buffers from harsh urban landscapes.
  14. Increases property values and business traffic.
  15. Provides spiritual and creative inspiration.
  16. Provides health, recreational, psychological, and social benefits, (including reduction in crime!).
  17. Adds unity, identity, landmarks, and pride to communities working together.
  18. Provides a sense of connection to the past.
  19. Saves municipal expenditures for storm water management infrastructure, ozone non-attainment, lost wages, and other costs associated with asthma and other illnesses related to poor air quality.

Adapted from MODEL URBAN FOREST HANDBOOK, Georgia Forestry Council and THE SIMPLE ACT OF PLANTING A TREE:A Citizen Forester's Guide to Healing Your Neighborhood, Your City, and Your World, Tree People.