TREE Fund Accomplishments

The results of more than 400 TREE Fund research grants since 1976 include:

• Public safety and electric service reliability have been improved by scientifically determining which trees have the greatest potential to cause property damage, electrical outages, or a wildfire.
  
  
• Studying ways to control diseases and pests has made it possible to minimize the damage caused by bark beetles and invasive ‘exotic’ pests, such as the emerald ash borer and Asian longhorned beetle.
  
  
• By researching planting depth, soil mixtures and paving technology, the methods for growing strong, healthy landscape trees have been revolutionized.
  
  
• Quantifying the benefits of trees to the economy and environment makes it easier for governments and businesses to determine the return they’ll get on their tree care investment. Studies have focused on real estate values, air pollution reduction and the urban heat island effect, to name a few.
  
  
• Improving the survivability of new tree selections for urban sites has been achieved through the development of hardier, drought and disease-resistant species.
  
  
• Reducing pesticide and mechanical interventions has been achieved by proving the value of integrated pest management, which takes advantage of the tree’s natural characteristics and surroundings to fight pests and diseases.
  
  Click here to view an archive of research projects and investigators supported by the TREE Fund.