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Trees are Good for BusinessDid you know
that trees are good for business?
A recent study confirms that consumers respond positively to shopping
environments with attractive trees and landscaping. Well maintained landscapes with trees send positive messages
about the appeal of a business district, the quality of products offered
there, and what customer service the shopper can expect. Did you also know that?
Trees and Business
It's a love-hate
relationship! There are certainly costs that come with having trees on
streets. Yet, a new study provides evidence that trees have positive effects
on consumers. Investments in the planting and care of trees represent long
term commitments of scarce dollars; improper plantings will increase costs and
reduce benefits. Adequate resources for both planning and management of urban
green is necessary if cities wish to optimize the values and benefits of the
urban forest. Trees Mean Business
Trees appear to
influence how much people are willing to pay for goods.
In recent research performed by Kathy Wolf, survey participants
consistently priced goods significantly higher in landscaped districts. Prices
were, on average, about 12% higher for products in the landscaped district
compared to the no‑tree district. This was also true for low-price,
"impulse‑buy" convenience goods, such as lunch sandwiches or flower bouquets
as well as bigger ticket items such as sports shoes or new glasses. Given the
low profit margins of most retail businesses, trees appear to provide a
significant amenity margin. Trees are Good Business
Healthy and well-maintained trees send positive messages about the appeal of a
district, the quality of products there and what customer service a shopper
can expect. They’re an important component of any program to attract shoppers
and visitors. Revitalizing
districts must address urgent needs of security, sanitation, parking and
marketing. Attention to trees is a necessary part of any improvements program.
The positive environment created by trees may actually ease some of the other
issues. American Forests, a national tree non‑profit organization, suggests a
goal of 15 percent tree canopy cover in business districts, while most retail
environments in the U.S. have 5 percent or less. Trees can make our
local communities more attractive places for business and encourage consumers to
spend more money. Kathleen L.
Wolf, Ph.D., a Research Assistant Professor from the University of Washington.
Dr. Wolf has researched the economic advantages that trees provide beyond their
commonly accepted energy and environmental benefits.
Please link here to find out more about Dr. Wolfs research and the economic
value of trees.
www.cfr.washington.edu/research.envmind/products.html
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