While strolling your downtown shopping area, you may *or may not* notice the greenery 
around you. Some shopping areas are more charming than others. The secret to success is in the canopies above. No, not the awnings with the store names scrolled across them in the hottest font, but in the lush greenery that hovers above. Trees create more vibrant and healthy communities. Attracting more shoppers and bringing more to the bank for nearby bustling businesses.
Did you know that trees in business districts can improve the overall value in urban areas? Trees offer numerous benefits to business districts, contributing to both the aesthetic and functional aspects of urban environments.
Improved shopping experiences, reduced crime, and an increase in sales of local businesses equal a healthier and more harmonious shopping environment.
💡Fact →
Shoppers are willing to pay 11% more for goods in well-maintained, landscaped areas with trees. This little tidbit is not nothing— an 11% increase in sales during each shopping experience will add up significantly over time.
University of Washington, College of Forest Resources. Trees in Business Districts: Positive Effects on Consumer Behavior! Nov. 1998.
Why Tree Planting is Necessary for a Healthy Economy and Environment
"Trees are not just something that are nice to have."
"Trees are critical city infrastructure, from cooling the air and providing shade to improving air quality. Trees are essential to building a healthy economy and environment."
"Trees are these incredible workhorses for cities. They provide all of these different benefits."
Key advantages of trees in business districts →
1. Good for the Environment: Trees are natural air filters. Their leaves absorb carbon dioxide and other harmful pollutants, all while releasing oxygen. This improvement in air quality can make a business district more attractive to both customers and employees, promoting a much healthier & thriving shopping environment.
2. Good for Health: The presence of green trees has positive effects on physical and mental health. Trees provide shade and cool the air, creating a more comfortable environment for pedestrians, which can encourage people to spend more time in the area. Additionally, exposure to natural settings has been linked to reduced stress levels and improved mood. Good moods = even better shopping sprees!
3. Good for Curb Appeal: Well-maintained tree-lined streets can significantly boost the value of nearby properties. Businesses in attractive environments are often able to charge higher rents and enjoy increased foot traffic, as consumers are more drawn to visually appealing spaces.
4. Good for Reducing the Risks of Flooding: Trees are critical in stormwater management. Trees help to prevent flooding and erosion, protecting the infrastructure of business districts. Effective stormwater management, with the help of our green superheroes (trees), will reduce the burden on drainage systems, lowering maintenance costs for local governments.
5. Good for Aesthetics: A business district graced with healthy, well-maintained trees and landscaping creates a visually appealing environment. Healthy trees will attract more visitors and encourage longer stays, ultimately leading to increased sales for local businesses. Cha-ching!
6. Good for Community: Nice shady trees will serve as gathering spots for community events, markets, or social activities, fostering a sense of community, all while keeping people feeling cool and protected. Nourishing this kind of community engagement encourages retail customers to visit more frequently for various activities, as they'll be more comfortable.
7. Good for Sustainability: Trees help save energy and lower energy costs. Trees provide shade to nearby buildings, helping to reduce the need for blasting the AC during those sweltering summer months. Strategically placed trees will result in significant savings on energy bills. In addition, incorporating trees into business districts not only reflects positively on businesses but also attracts environmentally conscious consumers who prefer supporting eco-friendly establishments.
By recognizing and harnessing these benefits, business districts can cultivate vibrant, healthy, and economically prosperous shopping experiences that appeal to both businesses and consumers.
Issues with getting trees planted in cities and business districts:
• Oftentimes, local governments view trees as a nice-to-have addition rather than a critical investment.
• A local health department may want to include tree planting as part of its strategies for mitigating heat islands. Additionally, workers in frontline transportation and public works may recognize opportunities for tree planting. However, they might not have the authority to initiate the planting unless funding is first approved.
• Concerns regarding long-term maintenance, fall cleanup, and overgrown trees that need pruning.
What can you do to help?
Proper site inspection and planning, and selecting the right tree— we can help with this!
Disadvantaged communities can apply for Tree Equity Grant Opportunities.
Check out SGN Trees' Curate the Canopy Program.
Municipalities can apply for the Arbor Day Foundation Tree City USA opportunity.
Partnerships are available with local nurseries, such as our CommuniTrees Partner Program.
Our main takeaway →
Where healthy, thriving trees are growing in business districts, everyone wins.
When the environment is healthy, the community is healthy. When the community is healthy, employees show up to work more consistently and spend more money. Shoppers with a view of trees are proven to spend more overall than in areas without trees.
It is a win-win-win! In short, a tree is a rock-solid investment that pays back exponentially over time.
Resources →
The Nature Conservancy: 6 Ways Trees Benefit All of Us
The Nature Conservancy: Health Benefits of Trees
The Nature Conservancy: How Cities Can Harness the Public Health Benefits of Urban Trees
Bloomberg Philanthropies: Why Tree Planting is Necessary for a Healthy Economy and Environment
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