Benefits of Healthy Trees on Cincinnati Properties
- Oliver Lester
- Aug 6
- 4 min read
Did you know that trees can provide a wealth of benefits beyond just improving the aesthetics of your property in Cincinnati? Trees can improve the quality of life of whole communities by reducing temperatures, providing food and shelter for local wildlife, and even saving you money. Continue reading to see all of the benefits trees can provide you and your property!
Reduce Temperatures
Healthy tree canopies are amazing at cooling surface temperatures. They do this by providing dense shade and preventing direct sunlight from striking hard surfaces such as streets, sidewalks, and buildings. This effect is considerable, as, according to the University of New Hampshire, shade can lower the ambient air temperature by 15 to 20 degrees. There is a similar cooling effect for surface temperatures on buildings, as shaded surfaces may run between 20 to 45 degrees cooler than unshaded surfaces.
This benefits us in two ways. For one, it helps combat the "heat island effect" that occurs in cities and built-up areas that become much warmer than nearby rural areas. Key causes include dark surfaces like asphalt, tall buildings blocking wind and trapping heat, and notably a lack of trees. Planting more trees and gardens is a great way to combat this effect and cool the air naturally.
The other way it benefits us is by lowering our energy costs during the hot summer months. Having a mature and healthy tree canopy surrounding your home is a great way to naturally cool your home and lower the stress on AC units.
Shelter and Feed Local Wildlife
Trees are a vital resource for local wildlife, no matter if you live in urban or rural areas. They provide food sources for white-tailed deer, squirrels, birds, insects, and more. Along with this, branches and tree hollows provide excellent and necessary nesting sites for birds and rodents to raise their young. Connected treetops also form natural pathways for animals to move safely; this is especially important for suburban areas with heavy traffic, as these pathways can encourage animals to stay out of dangerous roadways.
Along with this, just as trees benefit us by reducing temperatures, they also benefit wildlife. Dense canopies cool forests and neighborhoods for all sorts of animals that call Cincinnati home. These canopies can also help protect wildlife from bad weather.
Improve Your Mental and Physical Well-being
Being in nature, whether it be in a park or even in your backyard, can help ground the senses and calm the mind. Forest-bathing, or shinrin-yoku, is a Japanese mindfulness practice for therapeutic relaxation in which one simply spends time unplugged in a natural forest setting. It is easy to accomplish; stroll or sit in a natural space away from any devices and experience the sights, sounds, and smells of the forest with intention. It is all about being in the present moment in nature.
Research supports the mental health benefits of this practice. A 2007 study found that spending time in a wooded area significantly reduces cortisol levels, the hormone associated with stress, compared to spending time in an urban environment. This evidence suggests that planting and nurturing healthy trees on your property not only enhances your surroundings but can also serve as an effective strategy for managing stress, benefiting both you and your community.
The Value of Trees for Cincinnati Communities
Cincinnati features many parks and forests alongside its bustling urban and suburban areas. Balancing these environments is crucial for supporting wildlife and our communities. While it's your choice to plant and care for trees on your property, increasing the tree canopy can significantly benefit the entire community.
Tree City USA
Cincinnati is one of many Ohio cities that have been recognized as a Tree City USA by the Arbor Day Foundation. In fact, Cincinnati has held this recognition for over 45 years thanks to our city's Urban Forestry Department and many programs increasing canopy coverage in the city.
Cincinnati isn't the only area nearby with this ranking, as Ohio actually leads the nation in Tree City USA designations. Others nearby are:
North College Hill, OH
Years Awarded: 5
Lockland, OH
Years Awarded: 39
Amberley Village, OH
Years Awarded: 22
Wyoming, OH
Years Awarded: 32
Cincinnati Parks' ReLeaf Program
The Green Cincinnati Plan sets a goal of reaching 40% tree canopy coverage citywide. The ReLeaf program supports this effort by providing trees to homeowners and Cincinnati Public Schools. Each year, you can register to participate in these events and receive a free tree to plant on your property. The ReLeaf program aims to plant 1,000 trees in the city annually!
Cincinnati's Urban Canopy Map
If you want to learn more about tree coverage in your area, check out the map created by Cincinnati's Urban Forestry Department. It highlights every neighborhood within the city limits and shows the percentage of tree coverage in each area. This resource is particularly valuable for arborists working with the city, as it helps them determine the best types of trees for different planting sites. By using this information, the city can avoid monocultures (growing one species of plant in a large area) and better protect Cincinnati's tree canopies from threats like the Emerald Ash Borer.
Next Steps
To maximize the benefits of the trees on your property, it's important to keep them healthy. Maintaining tree health involves regular care, monitoring for pests and diseases, and ensuring proper watering. If you notice any issues with your trees, whether they are newly planted or fully mature, the arborists at Gregory Forrest Lester, Inc. are here to assist you.
