This report quantifies benefits and costs for small, medium, and large broadleaf trees and one coniferous tree in the Piedmont region: the species chosen as representative are dogwood (Cornus florida), Southern magnolia (Magnolia grandiflora), red maple (Acer rubrum), and loblolly pine (Pinus taeda), respectively. The analysis describes "yard trees (those planted in residential sites) and "public trees" (those planted on streets or in parks). We assume a 55% survival rate over a 40-year time frame. Tree care costs and mortality rates are based on results from a survey of municipal and commercial arborists. Benefits are calculated using tree growth curves and numerical models that consider regional climate, building characteristics, air pollutant concentrations, and prices.

Even as they increase the beauty of our surroundings, trees provide us with a great many ecosystem services, incl. air quality improvement, energy conservation, stormwater interception, and carbon dioxide reduction. These benefits must be weighed against the costs of maintaining trees, including planting, pruning, irrigation, admin., pest control, liability, cleanup, and removal. This report presents benefits and costs for representative small, medium, and large trees in the Tropical region based on research carried out in Honolulu, Hawaii. Average annual net benefits increase with tree size and differ based on location:. Two hypothetical examples of planting projects are described to illustrate how the data in this guide can be adapted to local uses.

This richly illustrated field guide serves as an introduction to the wildflowers and plant communities of the southern Appalachians and the rolling hills of the adjoining piedmont. Rather than organizing plants, including trees, shrubs, and herbaceous plants, by flower color or family characteristics, as is done in most guidebooks, botanist Tim Spira takes a holistic, ecological approach that enables the reader to identify and learn about plants in their natural communities. This approach, says Spira, better reflects the natural world, as plants, like other organisms, don't live in isolation; they coexist and interact in myriad ways. Full-color photo keys allow the reader to rapidly preview plants found within each of the 21 major plant communities described, and the illustrated species description for each of the 340 featured plants includes fascinating information about the ecology and natural history of each plant in its larger environment. With this new format, readers can see how the mountain and piedmont landscapes form a mosaic of plant communities that harbor particular groups of plants. The volume also includes a glossary, illustrations of plant structures, and descriptions of sites to visit. Whether you're a beginning naturalist or an expert botanist, this guidebook is a useful companion on field excursions and wildflower walks, as well as a valuable reference. Southern Gateways Guide is a registered trademark of the University of North Carolina Press

Even as they increase the beauty of our surroundings, trees provide us with a great many ecosystem services, including air quality improvement, energy conservation, stormwater interception, and atmospheric carbon dioxide reduction. These benefits must be weighed against the costs of maintaining trees, including planting, pruning, irrigation, administration, pest control, liability, cleanup, and removal. We present benefits and costs for representative small, medium, and large deciduous trees in the Lower Midwest region derived from models based on in-depth research carried out in Indianapolis, Indiana. Average annual net benefits increase with tree size and differ based on location. Two hypothetical examples of planting projects are described to illustrate how the data in this guide can be adapted to local uses, and guidelines for maximizing benefits and reducing costs are given.