The economic benefits of urban trees are worth billions.

America’s urban trees do more than add a touch of color to a typically grey landscape. Nationwide, city trees hold about 708 million tons of carbon and take in 21 tons of it a year.

All that green translates into the other kind of green, to the tune of 50 billion dollars in value plus the annual 1.5 billion dollar absorption bonus.

The monetary equivalent of carbon storage is based on the amount of carbon emission related damage averted in a given year.

Specific examples of the types of risks eliminated include those to agricultural productivity, human health, and property damage resulting from increased flood risk.

Even though forest trees do most of the heavy carbon lifting nationwide, their urban counterparts offer immediate benefits to those who live near them. One example is their instant energy-saving abilities. Shade trees can lessen the need for air conditioning by shielding buildings from the sun’s direct heat.

Their financial benefits aren’t all about energy and risk aversion. Studies show that well planted areas enjoy higher property values, and nicely landscaped business districts generate more money in both parking and goods.