Unless you have a very large yard, measured in acres of land, it is unlikely that you could offset your carbon footprint by planting trees. However, trees do absorb CO2, so planting trees in any size yard can help offset …
What factors are involved with estimating the net carbon balance of my urban tree?
Estimating a net carbon balance involves the accounting of carbon accumulations and losses. The carbon balance of urban trees includes many factors, many of which are difficult to estimate. The net balance is positive when your tree stores more carbon …
Can I receive carbon credits for the trees in my yard?
The short answer is no. Not at present, and not likely any time in the near future. The reason is mostly because of practical challenges due to the scale of a yard.
Plants absorb carbon dioxide from the atmosphere for …
What is the carbon saving from the cooling effects of urban forests?
Trees and urban forests cool the environment by direct shade, which lowers surface and air temperature, and by evapotranspiration. The lowering of temperatures reduces energy consumption, and thus the amount of carbon emissions at the power plant. In this …
How does urban forestry relate to carbon sequestration?
The urban forestry profession is the care and maintenance of trees within our communities.
By maintaining trees, we help to extend their lifespans. During a tree’s life, it continually takes in carbon in the form of carbon dioxide. With water …
Urban Forestry and Carbon Storage

Calculating Carbon Drawdown by Trees
Adapted from: McPherson, E.G.; J.R. Simpson,; P.J. Peper; and E. Aguaron. 2008. Urban Forestry and Climate Change. Albany, CA: USDA Forest Service, Pacific Southwest Research Station. Available at: http://www.fs.fed.us/ccrc/topics/urban-forests/
The Center for Urban Forest Research (CUFR) provides a …