To calculate the monetary value of a tree, Dr Yau created the Amenity Value Formula. This formula is expressed as

Value of Tree (V) =
Basic Value x Species x Aesthetics x Locality x Condition

Essentially, they play a vital role in reducing the urban heat island effect and providing urban dwellers with a comfortable living environment.

With the World Health Organisation predicting that 70% of the world’s population to be living in towns and cities by 2050, it seems cogent that our cities pay greater attention to the benefits a tree has for our urban environment. But surely there’s an ongoing cost to maintain the trees? Surprisingly, the return of investments is far greater than the cost it takes to maintain them.

A study in 2005 by Mcpherson, a research forester from the University of California, calculated that for each dollar spent maintaining a tree, there was annual return ranging from $1.37 to $3.09. This study was conducted in five cities across America, and the benefits were calculated mostly through city cost savings. These include reducing the cost of energy used to heat and cool buildings, to remove air pollutants such as NO2 and SO2 in the city and even the management and maintenance of stormwater systems.

It’s undeniable that trees are working hard around the clock to benefit our cities environmentally and economically. So, if you are living in Melbourne, why not show your appreciation by emailing one of the trees in the city?