The Economics of Everyday Things
The Economics of Everyday Things

118. Urban Trees

December 14, 2025

AI Summary

5 min read

🎙️ The Voices & The Context

  • The Format: This episode is a narrative story exploring the economic and social value of urban trees, presented in an engaging and informative manner.
  • The Key Players:
    • Zachary Crockett is the host and narrator, guiding the audience through various expert insights and anecdotes about urban forestry.
    • Jeffrey Donovan, an economist and tree consultancy owner, provides key insights into quantifying the benefits of urban trees.
    • Jana Dilly, an urban forester from Seattle, discusses city-level strategies for tree planting and maintenance.
    • Kathleen Wolfe, a social scientist, shares insights on the social and economic impact of trees in urban settings.

🗝️ Key Themes & Topics

  • Economic Value of Urban Trees: The episode discusses how urban trees enhance property values and contribute to local economies.
  • Environmental Benefits: The impact of urban forests on air quality, stormwater management, and climate resilience is examined.
  • Social Equity and Justice: The discussion highlights how access to greenery disproportionately affects neighborhoods, particularly those of lower socioeconomic status.
  • Tree Planting Challenges: The complexities involved in planting and maintaining urban trees, including funding and logistical issues, are explored.

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What you'll learn

  • 1 (00:00) **🎙️ Introduction: Jeffrey Donovan**
  • 2 (01:15) **Urban Trees in Portland**
  • 3 (02:04) **Quantifying Urban Tree Benefits**
  • 4 (02:58) **The Role of Urban Trees**
  • 5 (03:20) **Tree Planting in Seattle**
  • 6 (04:06) **Analyzing City Canopy Cover**
  • 7 (05:03) **Temperature Mapping and Urban Heat**

+ Full timestamped outline available in the app

Show Notes

Trees are more than decoration — they’re living economic assets, with measurable costs and benefits for cities and neighborhoods. Zachary Crockett takes a walk on the shady side of the street.

 

 

 


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The Economics of Everyday Things