🌳 Tree Benefits Calculator

What this calculator does

This tool estimates the environmental benefits provided by a tree or group of trees over one year, including how much carbon dioxide they absorb, how much oxygen they release, and how much stormwater runoff their canopy and root system intercept.

How the estimate is calculated

Carbon absorption scales strongly with tree size and age: a young sapling typically absorbs only a few kilograms of CO2 per year, while a large mature tree with a full canopy can absorb over 30 kg per year, figures commonly cited by urban forestry and arboriculture research (e.g. USDA Forest Service studies). Oxygen output is estimated at roughly 0.73 kg of O2 produced per kilogram of CO2 absorbed, based on the stoichiometry of photosynthesis. Stormwater interception estimates come from urban tree canopy studies showing larger canopies capture substantially more rainfall before it becomes runoff.

The “cars offset” figure divides total CO2 absorbed by about 4,600 kg, a commonly cited average annual CO2 emission per passenger vehicle, to give a relatable sense of scale.

• These are general educational averages; actual benefits vary widely by tree species, climate, soil, and health of the tree.
• Use this for general awareness and planning purposes, not as a certified carbon-offset calculation.