The Economics of Everyday Things 118. Urban Trees
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Dec 15, 2025 Geoffrey Donovan, a natural resource economist, showcases the economic value of urban trees and how they boost property values. Urban forester Jana Dilley shares insights on Seattle's comprehensive tree management, focusing on environmental justice and species selection. Kathleen Wolf, a social scientist, discusses the positive impacts of trees on crime reduction and shopping behaviors. They all highlight the health benefits of urban trees and urgent concerns over declining canopies, emphasizing that trees are critical for city well-being.
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Seedling To Street Landmark
- Jeffrey Donovan describes a pagoda tree in his Portland neighborhood that began as a tiny seedling from Nixon's inauguration.
- He highlights how a single tree matured over 50 years to provide a
Target Trees By Heat And Canopy Data
- Jana Dilley recommends analyzing canopy cover and neighborhood temperature maps to target tree planting.
- She advises planting with an environmental-justice lens so hotter, low-canopy areas get priority.
Plant The Right Tree In The Right Place
- Jana Dilley urges choosing tree species that fit the planting site and avoiding overplanting one species.
- She warns to consider future size, power lines, and climate resilience when planting.