Benefits of Trees

Honolulu’s Trees…

Are Naturally Cool

A leafy canopy doesn’t just block the sun to create shade. Through a process called transpiration, leaves absorb the sun’s light energy and use it to power a chemical reaction that converts moisture from its leaves to water vapor. In contrast, hard surfaces like streets and buildings absorb the light energy and turn it into heat radiation. They store the heat radiation and keep releasing it long after the sun has gone down.

Recharge Fresh Water Aquifers & Protect Our Coral Reefs

Trees increase the amount of rainwater that infiltrates the soil, recharging our groundwater. At the same time, trees decrease surface runoff which carries sediment and harmful pollutants to streams and the ocean. They do this by trapping and storing rainfall in their canopies so it is deposited on the ground more slowly, and by root growth and decomposition that makes it easier to penetrate the surface

Provide Homes and Food

Urban forests help create and enhance animal and plant habitats and can act as “reservoirs” for endangered species. People enjoy fruit such as mango, papaya and avocado from our urban trees as well.

Are Good For Business

Landscaping with trees can increase property values by 10-20% and attract new home buyers. People shop more often and longer in well-landscaped business districts and are willing to pay more.

Promote Health and Well-being

Fight Climate Change

Trees take in CO2 during photosynthesis and store it in their tissues. They reduce the cause of atmospheric warming and ocean acidification at the same time that they help us adapt to a hotter climate.