2026-065-E-County Mgr-Trees for the Triangle-Tree Planting and Education

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D18. Please describe any avoided financial costs or savings related to the project and over what period of time those costs will be avoided/reduced. (250 word limit) Cost Efficiency in Planting: -By leveraging Trees for the Triangle’s expertise and volunteer network, our planting costs are significantly lower than hiring commercial landscapers. All plantings are supervised by a certified arborist, ensuring proper species selection, planting, and care, which reduces long-term replacement costs. Our all-inclusive cost per planted tree includes community outreach, education, and follow-up support. Energy Savings: -As the 200 planted trees mature, they will shade homes and community spaces, reducing summer cooling needs and lowering winter heating demand. These energy savings will persist for decades. Stormwater Management Savings: -Mature trees capture thousands of gallons of stormwater annually, reducing runoff, flood risk, and strain on municipal systems (i-Tree Tools, USFS). This provides measurable cost savings for communities, especially in flood-prone areas. Health-Related Savings: -Increased canopy coverage improves air quality and reduces heat exposure, lowering medical costs associated with respiratory and heat- related illnesses (USFS). Ecological Value: -According to the National Tree Benefit Calculator (based on i-Tree), a mature yard tree provides approximately $100 in combined annual benefits, including energy savings, air quality improvement, stormwater capture, carbon storage, and property value enhancement. For 200 trees, this equates to about $20,000 in annual benefits once established. Period of Benefit: -These avoided costs and savings will grow as trees mature and continue for an estimated 40+ years (USFS, Nowak et al., 2002). Docusign Envelope ID: CB1A7685-96B7-4FBD-80E0-8CF756D5E579