Two Decades of Growth: Tree Cover Gains in 1,800+ U.S. Counties

How can planting trees benefit homeowners?

While the benefits of planting trees always depend on the specifics of the site and species, generally speaking, trees provide numerous benefits to homeowners. Trees in urban settings have been shown to significantly reduce home heating and cooling costs, increase property values, create and improve biodiversity, mitigate air pollution, and regulate water quality and quantity, and add scenic values.

What are three unexpected ways trees benefit the environment?

Trees have a strong impact on local climate, and especially on water regulation, air regulation, and temperature regulation. Trees reduce the amount of precipitation that reaches soil surfaces, which in turn leads to fewer flooding events. They also act like pumps, bringing moisture up into the air, which contributes to a healthy water cycle. Tree cover in urban areas can significantly decrease energy usage for heating and cooling, which in turn reduces energy demand and greenhouse gas emissions. Trees also provide significant mitigation of air pollution. Tree leaves are excellent at capturing particulate matter pollution, which can lead to big improvements in human health as well.

What are three main driving factors of tree loss in the U.S.?

While there are certainly regional differences, the main driver is largely land use change (land converted to development and other uses such as agriculture), followed by extreme weather events (hurricanes and tornadoes), and insects & pests infestation (such as Southern Pine Beetle, Emerald Ash Borer), with forest fire as the fourth main factor.

Which U.S. tree species are most at risk from habitat loss or diseases?

The most at-risk tree species in the U.S. are those that are being impacted by invasive pests and diseases. These include ash species being lost to the invasive Emerald ash borer, and Eastern and Carolina hemlock due to the invasive hemlock woolly adelgid. American beech is also being impacted by beech bark disease and beech leaf disease, which is extremely lethal.

What are three of the worst consequences resulting from tree loss?

In an urban or suburban setting, the loss of trees leads to additional costs and energy usage for heating and cooling, higher air and noise pollution, and of course, a loss of scenic beauty. On a broader scale, the loss of trees means a loss of carbon storage, wildlife habitat, and changes in the water cycle.

 What are three key steps to recovering from regional tree loss?

One key step is to prevent further tree loss through better tree protection regulations around land-use conversion and development. Other tools are creating incentives for forest and tree conservation, such as the working forests program. 

What are three animals that may be endangered due to tree loss in the U.S.?

The group that is currently most threatened by forest habitat losses is birds. We have lost roughly one-quarter of all birds in the U.S. and Canada since 1970 (an estimated 2.9 billion birds), and these declines are expected to continue. Some species such as the Spotted Owl and Red Cocked Woodpeckers need very particular forest ecosystem structures, which require intensive management and restoration. Others require different successional stages, from very young forests to old-growth forests.

What can regular folks do — if anything — to help trees that are affected by or susceptible to disease, pests, or other issues?

One key is to make sure that you are not planting invasive species and to plant native species as much as possible. Many of our current pests and diseases were introduced through non-native ornamental plants, and many of these ornamental plants themselves have become invasive. There are lists of invasive species available to check, but planting natives is always a safer option and can contribute to native pollinator and wildlife habitats.

How can planting trees benefit homeowners?

Planting trees around your home isn’t just about adding beauty—it can save you money. In the summer, trees provide shade that helps keep your house cool, while in the winter, they act as windbreaks, reducing heating costs. Trees boost property value and curb appeal, making your home more inviting. Beyond that, they improve air quality, reduce noise pollution, and create a more peaceful, healthier environment for you and your community.

What are three unexpected ways trees benefit the environment?

Trees do a lot more than just provide oxygen. Both living and dead trees offer food and shelter for all kinds of wildlife, from birds to insects. They also slow down rainwater, allowing it to soak into the ground rather than washing away soil, helping prevent erosion and landslides. Some trees even have a superpower called bioremediation, meaning they can absorb and break down pollutants in the soil and water, helping to clean up contaminated areas.

What are the three main driving factors of tree loss in the U.S.?

One major reason trees are disappearing is invasive pests and diseases, like the emerald ash borer and sudden oak death, which spread quickly because native trees haven’t evolved defenses against them. Another big factor is wildfires—hotter, more frequent fires are killing trees outright, making it harder for forests to regenerate. On top of that, climate change is adding stress, with rising temperatures, shifting rainfall patterns, and prolonged droughts weakening trees and making them more vulnerable to pests, disease, and fire.

What are three of the worst consequences resulting from tree loss?

When trees disappear, wildlife suffers. Many animals lose their food sources and shelter, and species that rely on specific trees can struggle to survive. Tree loss also damages water health, since trees naturally filter rainwater, prevent erosion, and keep streams flowing properly. In cities, fewer trees can mean more problems for people, too—hotter temperatures, worse air quality, and even impacts on mental well-being. Trees play a huge role in keeping both nature and people thriving.

What are three key steps to recovering from regional tree loss?

Recovering from tree loss starts with education and awareness. When communities, landowners, and policymakers understand why trees are disappearing and how that decline can affect the environment, they can take action to protect and restore them. Learning about tree health, sustainable care, and the importance of planting native species helps create stronger, healthier landscapes. Another key step is planting the right tree in the right place. Choosing trees well-suited to the local climate, soil, and ecosystem ensures they thrive for years, providing shade, habitat, and beauty. Finally, preventing the spread of invasive pests and diseases is crucial. Monitoring for early signs of trouble, responsibly managing tree health, and promoting resistant species can help protect existing and newly planted trees. By taking these steps, we can ensure that trees continue to play their essential role in our environment.

What can regular folks do — if anything — to help trees that are affected by or susceptible to disease, pests, or other issues?

There are plenty of things regular folks can do to help trees stay healthy and fight off pests, diseases, and other issues. It starts with learning about common threats and how to prevent them. Simple actions, like using local firewood and respecting quarantine areas, go a long way in stopping the spread of invasive species. Following state guidelines and recommendations helps protect both individual trees and entire communities. Another big step is ensuring the right tree is planted in the right place. A well-suited tree to its environment can grow strong and naturally defend itself against pests, disease, and stress. Small, everyday choices can make a big difference in keeping our trees healthy for generations.

How can planting trees benefit homeowners?

You can sell the logs, lops, tops, or branches to sawmills or chip mills. There are also many nonmarket values. You can enjoy the cool air provided by shady trees and the visual appearance provided by those tree patches around your home. It can sequester carbon which is good for combating climate change. If the planted trees do not go too tall, they can work as windbreaks for windy months and provide shade for summer months.

What are three unexpected ways trees benefit the environment?

Trees provide refuge to many arthropods and birds. They absorb air pollutants such as carbon monoxide, sulfur dioxide, particulate matter, ozone, lead, and nitrogen dioxide around your home. They can also prevent landslides by protecting the soil from heavy rainfall.

 What are three main driving factors of tree loss in the U.S.?

Urban expansion has caused a lot of forested land to be converted into developed land. Increased commodity prices such as agriculture or biomass crops incentivized forest landowners to convert their forestlands or cut trees and use those lands to cultivate those valuable crops. In my experience, the third one is wildfire. Every year wildfires burn thousands of acres of forest lands in the United States.

Which U.S. tree species are most at risk from habitat loss or diseases?

Based on my research and reading, tree species that are most at risk from habitat loss or diseases include ash trees (Fraxinus spp.), oak trees (Quercus spp.), and long-leaf pine (Pinus palustris).

What are three of the worst consequences resulting from tree loss?

1. There will not be enough raw materials for forest-based industries. 
2. People will observe and feel drastic changes in microclimate. 
3. Natural ecosystems will be further degraded by the presence of exotic invasive plants and insects.

What are three key steps to recovering from regional tree loss?

Three key steps can be to set aside certain forests as reserve forests, conserving keystone species and iconic ecosystems; encourage farm policies that promote land-use diversifications, not agricultural intensifications; and promote urban forestry.

What are three animals that may be endangered due to tree loss in the U.S.?

In my opinion, the three animals that are endangered due to tree loss include the Mexican wolf, Florida panther, and Gopher tortoise.

What can regular folks do — if anything — to help trees that are affected by or susceptible to disease, pests, or other issues?

Be vigilant about your plant species, and if you see any diseases or insect infestations, report them to the proper agencies immediately. Disease or pest management is not an individual’s problem; it is a collective problem and has to be managed collectively.

How can planting trees benefit homeowners?

Trees can provide shade and reduce the amount of heat in the home which in turn helps homeowners to save money on electricity for cooling. If planted in the right areas, trees can also block winter winds. Planting trees can also minimize flood damage and improve air quality. In some instances, trees planted on a property can increase its value.
What are three unexpected ways trees benefit the environment?

Planting trees creates jobs and is an important economic driver in many areas. Trees provide a habitat for many organisms. Trees and time spent in nature can boost mental health and have been found to reduce anxiety and depression as well as improve certain health conditions such as heart disease.
What are three main driving factors of tree loss in the U.S.?

Urbanization, harvesting for different commodities such as lumber, and tree pests and diseases or natural disasters.
Which U.S. tree species are most at risk from habitat loss or diseases?

A few different species are at risk of extinction due to non-native pests and pathogens. American beech, American elm, Eastern hemlock, and North American ash are a few species that are at risk. The loss of these species not only has impacts on climate but also on the ecosystem.
What are three of the worst consequences resulting from tree loss?

Climate change, loss of biodiversity, economic loss.

What are three key steps to recovering from regional tree loss?

Reforestation initiatives. Engaging policymakers, companies, and communities to educate themselves on sustainable approaches to further reduce deforestation and involve them in reforestation initiatives. 

What can regular folks do — if anything — to help trees that are affected by or susceptible to disease, pests, or other issues?

Report concerning tree damage to agencies or professionals that can assess the issue. The USDA, Forest Service, Extension Personnel, University, etc.