How much money does a mature tree save on energy?

Landscape & Site WorkUSDA Forest Service i-Tree

Tree Eco-Benefits & Property Value Calculator

Calculate the annual financial and environmental value of mature trees on your property based on USDA Forest Service i-Tree formulas.

Landscape & Site Work Field StandardsUSDA Forest Service i-Tree

Engineering formulations calibrated to IPC, UPC & NEC specificationsSub-Zero Cold Climate Tolerances

Quick Summary & Key Answer

A single mature 20-inch diameter hardwood tree generates approximately $110 to $180 in annual economic and environmental benefits. This includes intercepting over 2,500 gallons of stormwater runoff, cutting summer air conditioning costs by $40 to $65, and adding thousands of dollars in resale property value.

Mature trees strategically placed on the west side of a home cut summer AC energy use by up to 25%.
A mature tree can intercept over 3,000 gallons of rainfall in its canopy annually.
Landscaping with mature trees increases home curb appeal and property value by 5-10%.

Interactive Calculator

Adjust inputs for real-time results

Tree Trunk Diameter (DBH)inches

inches

Tree Type / Group

Tree Planting Position

Calculated OutputUSDA i-Tree Modeled

Total Annual Environmental & Economic Value

$237 / yr

Stormwater Intercepted Annually: 4,200 Gallons
Home Energy Bill Savings: $105/year
Carbon Dioxide Sequestered: 112 lbs/year
Total Estimated Property Value Boost: +$3,554

Note: Based on USDA Forest Service i-Tree eco-valuation models. Mature shade trees increase residential property values by 3% to 7%.

USDA Forest Service i-Tree Science

Tree canopies reduce stormwater sewer overflows by slowing rainfall velocity and evaporating water back into the atmosphere.

Frequently Asked Questions

Common questions regarding this calculation and code compliance

A large deciduous tree shading the west or south wall of a house saves roughly $35 to $65 per year in cooling and heating electricity costs.