As Temperatures Rise, Trees Can Help Companies Thrive

Data shows nearly every sector of business is impacted by heat stress. From supply chain shortages to operational risks to major labor losses, excessive heat has dealt a series of costly blows to the private sector.  

The shade from trees can offer protection from the heat of the moment. Trees can reduce air temperatures by up to 10 degrees Fahrenheit and reduce surface temperatures by even more. Trees help minimize the impact of the urban heat island effect so effectively that new research indicates heat islands would be twice as hot without them.

Trees are one of the best ways to reduce heat and improve quality of life for city dwellers.  

The Arbor Day Foundation’s unparalleled network and decades of experience enable us to plant trees in the areas that matter most for the urgent issues facing our planet, including excessive heat. We’ve helped hundreds of companies utilize tree planting to achieve their sustainability goals, while simultaneously creating meaningful engagement opportunities for their employees and real, positive impact in communities.  

Trees can help companies be proactive in their effort to nurture their staff, boost their brand, and improve their bottom line.  

Trees offer a practical and proven approach for businesses seeking to advance their sustainability goals. Strategically planted trees provide natural shade, helping to lower energy use and reduce reliance on air conditioning during periods of extreme heat. Studies have shown that shade from trees can decrease cooling costs by up to 30%, relieving stress on local power grids and shrinking a company’s carbon footprint as temperatures climb.

The benefits extend well beyond operational efficiency. Trees improve air and water quality, increase biodiversity, and help capture carbon — all essential components of a credible sustainability strategy. When companies partner with the Arbor Day Foundation, tree planting efforts are focused where they will have the greatest impact, from urban centers grappling with the heat island effect to neighborhoods in need of revitalization.

Hundreds of businesses have already worked with the Arbor Day Foundation to turn sustainability commitments into tangible action. As each tree matures, the positive impact only grows, supporting climate resilience and healthier communities for years to come. 

A company’s dedication to nature can have a positive effect inside the workplace, too. A 2023 analysis of more than 1,000 companies found that employee engagement was 16% higher at companies with firm commitments to sustainability. The analysis revealed these workers were “more motivated, likely to stay long-term, and enthusiastic about their employer.” It’s also an effective way to attract new talent. Younger people even factor a company’s environmental credentials into their job hunt, according to a survey from Deloitte. More than 70% of Gen Z and Millennials said it was important to them when choosing an employer.  

While there are many possible sustainability strategies for employers to adopt, tree planting offers companies a unique opportunity for employee engagement. Instead of simply telling workers about a sustainability strategy, companies can involve them in it, moving employees from passive listeners to active participants. 

We know company culture is not one-size-fits-all, so we provide scalable and flexible options for tree planting events to best suit a business’s specific needs. For example, sometimes our corporate partners choose to plant 15 trees near a company headquarters with a small group of employees. Sometimes they choose to plant dozens of trees in a local park with employees and local community members. No matter the shape or size of the event, tree planting can have lasting results on employees.

People want to work for organizations that care — and consumers want to support them.  

When it comes to environmental action, authenticity matters. People want to see companies back up their words with tangible, meaningful change. Tree planting is one of the most powerful ways to do that.

According to the Arbor Day Foundation’s Canopy Report, 95% of Americans say they find value in trees. It’s a simple truth that resonates across backgrounds and beliefs. People instinctively understand the importance of trees, making them a highly effective way for brands to communicate their values.