Street trees are proven to provide numerous concrete benefits to residents in terms of property values, traffic calming, pedestrian friendliness, and crime reduction.

Cars drive more slowly on streets with trees.
Trees have a calming effect, and drivers are at least subconsciously aware that where there are trees, there are often pedestrians and children playing.

Street trees cut traffic noise.
First, street trees reduce the amount of engine noise because drivers go more slowly, but a line of large leafy trees can also absorb a great deal of noise.

Residents walk more on streets with trees.
When cars drive more slowly, pedestrians feel safer. In addition, curbs and trees provide a physical and psychological buffer between sidewalk and car traffic that increases this feeling of safety. And, of course, trees provide an environment in which it is more pleasant to walk - something attractive and green to look at, shade in the summer, a canopy from rain in the winter.

Trees improve air quality.
Trees consume carbon dioxide and emit oxygen. In general, the more trees we plant, the better air we breathe.

Street trees increase property value.

In his book City Comforts, local urban planner and author David Sucher says, "Even streets of modest houses gain a grandeur and presence when treed. Old money need not be the only ones to have old trees." Streets with trees look more stable and prosperous. Families with children are more attracted to a neighborhood where they can picture themselves going for walks and letting kids play on the sidewalk. In their pamphlet Benefits of Trees, the International Society of Arboriculture estimates that the improvement in curb appeal due to street trees increases real estate values by 5-20%.

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Standing Brothers Park

Standing Brothers Park is the unmistakable centerpiece for the community of Parkside in Rice Hope at Port Wentworth, Georgia. This four-acre park is a follow-up to our Live Oak Legacy and Street Tree Program as it continues the legacy of planting trees in our neighborhoods.

During our research on the value of trees, we discovered that the Native Americans who settled along Georgia’s coast were close relatives to the Creek Indians. In the Creek culture, trees were called their “standing brothers.” In Parkside at Rice Hope, we named our oval park that anchors the community our “Standing Brothers” park. It is home to over 200 oaks and palms that provide shelter and beauty for the families who call Parkside home.