Tree Benefit Calculator
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Provided by: USDA Forest Service|Published on: February 9, 2026
Data, Graphs, and MapsScientist Reviewed
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Scientist Reviewed This resource has been reviewed by SubjectToClimate's climate scientists and verified for scientific accuracy and up-to-date information. Learn about our review process →
Synopsis
- Students can use this interactive resource from the USDA Forest Service's i-Tree to see how tree cover provides benefits in towns across the continental United States.
- The resource provides an interactive map and information on the pollutants removed, carbon dioxide sequestered, and stormwater mitigated by the tree cover, as well as a monetary representation of these services.
Subjects: Biology
Authors: i-Tree Tools, USDA Forest Service
Region: United States
Languages: English
Teaching Materials
Positives
- The Tree Story is a great offering for students who are overwhelmed by the data alone.
- This resource makes it easy for students to quickly see the value of tree canopy in a neighborhood.
Prerequisites
- Students should have a general idea of the benefits provided by trees.
Differentiation & Implementation
- Students can use this tool in conjunction with demographic data for different cities or neighborhoods to determine environmental justice and environmental racism concerns. This lesson can help teachers make the connection.
- Students can select two different neighborhoods to compare their tree benefit data.
- Each student can select a different community in their area, or in an area far away. Then, after reading through the results, students can pair up to determine the differences and similarities between communities.
- Teachers can highlight how we need carbon sinks like trees to sequester carbon that would otherwise contribute to climate change. Students.
This resource from i-Tree, called OurTrees, is an interactive tool that helps students explore the environmental and economic benefits of trees in their communities. Users can input their location to see how trees improve air quality, store carbon, manage stormwater, and more. The resource draws from credible U.S. Forest Service data, although the date of the data could not be verified, and presents it in a student-friendly format. This resource would be a great addition to classroom discussions about tree coverage and the relationship with climate change.
Teaching Tips
Standards
Resource Type and Format
Scientist Reviewed
This resource has been reviewed by SubjectToClimate's climate scientists and verified for scientific accuracy and up-to-date information. Our review process ensures that every resource in our library reflects the current state of climate science.
Learn about our review process →
