Benefits of Trees

A typical healthy tree can remove up to 48 pounds of carbon dioxide (CO2) from the air every year. Excessive amounts of atmospheric CO2 from human activities is considered one of the leading causes of global warming. Tree roots can also help to filter groundwater and protect erosion.

Shade from trees helps to keep buildings, streets, and parking lots cool. Evidence indicates that well-positioned shade trees can cut a building's cooling costs by up to 50%. Trees also help to cool the air in our cities through evapotranspiration.

Trees provide habitat for wildlife. Birds that nest in trees eat mosquitoes and other insects.

Trees can add up to 15% to property values. They also make our neighborhoods and city streets more attractive to tourists and investors.

Miami-Dade County is not alone in its efforts to preserve its trees. Communities throughout the nation are recognizing the importance of urban forests and are passing laws to protect them. You can help by reporting any illegal tree removal or effective destruction by calling 305-372-6955 and by planting more trees whenever possible. For more information about landscaping with trees or about tree planting programs in Miami-Dade County, contact the organizations below:

Miami-Dade County Cooperative Extension Service
18710 SW 288 Street
Homestead, FL 33031
Phone: 305-248-3311

Miami-Dade Planning and Zoning
111 NW 1 Street, Suite 1200
Miami, FL 33138
Phone: 305-375-2845