Recently released data indicates that the city's Urban Tree Canopy has increased from 32 percent to 48 percent since 1997.

This data was reported in a comprehensive study completed by the Virginia Department of Forestry, University of Vermont, Virginia Tech, and the Roanoke Valley-Alleghany Regional Commission.

Trees provide many benefits to the Roanoke community, including:

• Removing 304 tons of air pollutants each year, for a total annual value of  $2,270,000
• Providing an annual energy benefit of $511,000
• Increasing property values by $913,127
• Providing an annual storm water benefit of $1,022,236
• Providing a benefit-cost ratio of street trees of 6.61 to 1
• Lowering river water temperatures which increases health of rivers

In addition, the National Arbor Day Foundation reports that "it has been conservatively estimated that over $1.5 billion per year is generated in tax revenue for communities in the U.S. due to the value of privately owned trees on residential property." Roanoke's comprehensive plan, Vision 2001-2020, states that "maintaining and increasing the city's tree canopy will have a beneficial impact on air quality, storm water control, noise levels, temperature, and visual appearance." Dan Henry, Roanoke Urban Forester, says "tree canopy plays an important role in the region's popular and growing greenway and outdoor tourism movement."

For more information, contact Urban Forester Dan Henry at (540) 853-1994.