Frequently Asked Questions

"Today we have the knowledge to re-invent our cities to grow both economically and environmentally. Now we have the technology to share that knowledge, and the public has a vital role. This is the human habitat." -P. Provenzano

Why Are Urban and Community Forests Important?
Trees are a vital contributor to the health and wealth of any urban landscape, and trees are a key indicator of the well being of our cities and towns. From health, to groundwater quality, to land values, to a sense of place, to air quality, to energy conservation and to beauty, a tree's canopy is linked to almost everything.

Why the Need for TreeBank?
Our cities and towns are growing at unprecedented rates, and satellite photos dramatically show they are turning gray. Gray is the color of the surfaces and rooftops of our built environment. At the same time, the green is disappearing.

How Does TreeBank Work?
We help communities become pro-active. We provide a way for every citizen to support the habitat where we live - in our own community. The TreeBank system:

  Works with qualified branches that identify projects to support.

  Provides a Web-based plug-and-play donation system to build local support.

  Provides marketing materials (Public Service Ads) and tips to local branches.

  Distributes funds to branches. It's simple! The donor chooses an area (designated branches) and makes a secure e-commerce donation. Branches are funded for local planting, care, and education, and the many benefits of tree canopy expand.

What Does TreeBank Do?
Using cost-efficient technology, TreeBank provides the tool to build local funds in order to plant and support healthy "urban forests" in any community. By working together, "branch offices" help support each other.

  Technology supports e-commerce for branches.

  Technology supports cost-efficient marketing.

  Technology provides cost-efficient outreach.

  Technology tracks many branches.

  Branches help drive online traffic.

Why Should People Contribute?
Urban forests provide a long list of benefits for the environment in urbanized areas, where 85% of Americans live. Trees are the only part of the infrastructure that appreciates in value as the rest depreciates. The great majority of community trees are on private property, so the public has an important responsibility. People want to support the environment, but many don't know how. TreeBank branches make it easy!

What Are the Benefits of Urban and Community Forests?

  Energy costs reduced

  Property values up

  Particulate pollution reduced

  Skin-cancer rates reduced

  Health costs reduced (infant mortality, respiratory illnesses)

  Crime rates reduced