Which benefit might be calculated using STRATUM?

The benefit calculated using STRATUM is the increase in property values. STRATUM is a software developed by the USDA Forest Service designed to help municipal foresters and urban planners assess the monetary benefits provided by trees in urban environments. One of the primary benefits trees offer is their contribution to increasing property values. This is largely due to aesthetic improvements and the benefits they provide, such as shade and improved air quality, which can enhance the desirability of an area. Studies have shown that properties located near trees tend to have higher market values, making this benefit a key metric when using STRATUM.

The other options, while related to tree health and management, are not typically quantified by STRATUM in terms of direct financial benefits. STRATUM focuses on economic evaluations, particularly the monetary impact trees have on property values.