Research reveals how proximity to trees affects property values and public attitudes toward urban trees

Consensus Summary

Research by Associate Professor Song Shi at UTS reveals a paradox in how trees influence property values: homes with trees 10–20 meters away gain $30,000 in value, while those with trees within 10 meters lose up to $70,000. The study accounts for factors like bedrooms, land size, and CBD proximity, confirming a long-held tension between public love for street trees and private property owners’ resistance. Landscape architect Matt Cantwell explains this contradiction through homeowner preferences—valuing trees for street appeal but often rejecting them on their own land due to concerns about maintenance, seasonal change, or obstructed views. Environmental services manager Danielle Hughes highlights practical benefits like cooling microclimates (up to 10 degrees) and energy savings (20–30%), yet residents frequently prioritize perceived messiness or safety risks. Urban planning research by Dr Nader Naderpajouh shows uneven tree coverage across Sydney, with western suburbs like St Marys gaining canopy while Liverpool’s coverage declined, possibly due to development pressures. The articles emphasize that while trees enhance neighborhood aesthetics and combat climate change, their proximity to homes creates a complex trade-off between environmental benefits and private property values.