A recent three-year study by Trees New York and Trees New Jersey, not-for-profit groups dedicated to planting and preserving trees in urban environments, found that areas with trees and green landscaping are favored by shoppers.

The study, conducted between 1996 and 1999, found that customers prefer tree-lined shopping districts, are more likely to choose to shop in an area with trees, and are even willing to travel farther to reach a tree-lined district than to shop in a closer shopping area without trees.

The benefits of trees in urbanized areas are unending. From a purely aesthetic perspective, people like trees. In addition, leafy trees outside a storefront serve as an attractive extension, and well-tended trees convey a positive message about the business. Tree canopies also make for a pleasant walking area.

Buildings and pavement absorb heat, while a mature tree canopy can reduce air temperature by 5 to 10 degrees Fahrenheit, cutting air-conditioning costs and making pedestrians more comfortable. Trees can also create desirable outdoor spaces, lending park-like settings for seating for restaurants, coffee shops and ice cream parlors. In addition, neighborhood support is found to be greater when storekeepers beautify streets, according to Trees New York.

To keep downtown trees healthy, here are some tree-caring tips from a recently issued Trees New
York brochure:
1) Thoroughly water trees, especially during the summer. A tree needs 15 to 20 gallons of water a week during hot periods.
2) Remove any wires that wrap around the tree. Be sure to unstring holiday lights and banners or else they will eventually strangle the tree.
3) Mulch the soil, plant flowers and establish pit guards around the base of the tree.
4) Don't allow salt or chemicals into tree pits. If they have gotten in, remove the top half-inch of soil and flush the pit with water.
5) Don't allow bikes or dogs to be chained to trees.

Courtesy of Downtown Idea Exchange,
January 1, 2002