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Q: Can the value of planting trees actually be quantified?

A: There is a large body of evidence, gathered by acknowledged experts, regarding the benefits of trees to the quality of life. Among this research conclusions are these:

• Landscaping can reduce air conditioning costs by up to 50 percent, by shading the windows and walls of a home.  — American Public Power Association
• One acre of forest absorbs six tons of carbon dioxide and puts out four tons of oxygen. This is enough to meet the annual needs of 18 people. — U.S. Department of Agriculture
• The net cooling effect of a young, healthy tree is equivalent to ten room-size air conditioners operating 20 hours a day. —U.S. Department of Agriculture
• If you plant a tree today on the west side of your home, in 5 years your energy bills should be 3% less. In 15 years the savings will be nearly 12%.  — Dr. E. Greg McPherson, Center for Urban Forest Research
• A mature tree can have an appraised value of between $1,000 and $10,000.  — Council of Tree and Landscape Appraisers
• In one study, 83% of realtors believe that mature trees have a "strong or moderate impact" on the salability of homes listed for under $150,000; on homes over $250,000, this perception increases to 98%.   — Arbor National Mortgage & American Forests
• Landscaping, especially with trees, can increase property values as much as 20 percent.   — Management Information Services/ICMA
• Trees properly placed around buildings can reduce air conditioning needs by 30 percent and can save 20 - 50 percent in energy used for heating.  — USDA Forest Service
• Healthy, mature trees add an average of 10 percent to a property's value."  — USDA Forest Service
• The planting of trees means improved water quality, resulting in less runoff and erosion. This allows more recharging of ground-water supply. Wooded areas also help prevent the transport of sediment and chemicals into streams.   — USDA Forest Service
• Trees aid in recovery from illness and stress reduction. In laboratory research, visual exposure to settings with trees produced significant recovery from stress within five minutes, as indicated by changes in blood pressure and muscle tension.   — Dr. Roger S. Ulrich, Texas A&M University

Moreover, MoneySense Magazine (May/2009 at page 50) has this to say about your return on investment in planting a tree(s) on your property:

"No home improvement gives you more bang for your buck – or more enjoyment for your dollar – than planting a tree. A tree provides a visual exclamation mark to your house. It serves as a great place to put up a kid’s swing. Planted on the south, west or east side of your house, it even shades your roof and cuts your cooling costs. And it’s no slouch at sales time either. Surveys show that home buyers are willing to pay $7,000 more for a house that has a tree and a few hedges.