Do nearby trees increase property values? The answer: it depends.

A new meta-analysis from Virginia Tech’s Pamplin College of Business, in partnership with the U.S. Forest Service, reveals some fascinating insights into the way that trees can impact property value.

The results suggest that nearby trees (more than 100m away) often boost home values by providing shade and improving neighbourhood aesthetics. In general, the impact of trees located on-site (within 100m) was found to be lower (and in some cases negative), due to the associated maintenance costs and risk of storm damage.

The study, which assessed nine metropolitan areas in the U.S., also identified significant regional differences in these dynamics.

While nearby trees can pose a risk to properties during storms, they offer multiple benefits including diminishing urban heat islands, absorbing storm runoff, improving air quality and reducing noise pollution.

The study highlights the challenges faced in balancing individual and community interests in the provision of urban tree cover.

Sources: 1

New research warns of changing hail risk in a warming Europe

Global warming may lead to less frequent but bigger and more devastating hail storms in Europe, according to new research undertaken by climate experts from Newcastle University, the Met Office and the University of Bristol.

The analysis, which used a km-scale simulation of Europe, suggests that while severe hail (which has a diameter of around 2 cm) is likely to become less common under a high-emissions scenario (RCP8.5), warmer thunderstorms that can create giant hail (with a diameter of 5cm or more) will start to appear.

The risk is likely to be highest in Southern Europe but remain relatively low within the UK and Northern Europe.

Large hail is a major threat to agriculture, properties, and people, while its destructive power increases significantly with size.

Sources: 1 | 2