For the love of trees
Trees are doing their part to enrich the earth and combat the effects of what ails us. We just need more of these precious commodities, especially in urbanized areas that are slathered with pavement, brick and mortar. Whether or not climate change is high on your list of concerns, it’s worthwhile to look at the oodles of ways trees that provide economic, environmental and social benefits.
Property with thoughtful landscaping is valued higher than those of homes without such adornment. A well-planted home site and neighborhood brings in buyers willing to compensate for past gardening efforts. Appropriately selected and installed trees providing cooling shade in the summer and wind protection in the winter also reduce the energy costs of air conditioning and heat.
Carbon dioxide in the atmosphere is essential for plants to grow. Trees absorb CO2 and store carbon, while releasing oxygen into the air. Treed land serves to mitigate the destructive effects of greenhouse gas buildup in the atmosphere, while leaves and bark toil away to trap dust from the air.
Trees work hard to hold soil in place on slopes and banks, preventing erosion of precious topsoil into waterways and neighboring properties. As rainfall flows down a tree trunk, the root system filters the water as it moves to increase groundwater supplies.
Autumn tree fruits and nuts provide essential food for both bird and beast. Black walnuts, pecans, beechnuts and hickory nuts are in abundance on the forest floor just waiting for foragers. Tree canopies provide nesting and protective habitat year-round.
Looking to cool down a town center? Trees can come to the rescue by shading sidewalks and releasing water vapor through their leaves as they transpire. Neighborhoods with suitable landscaping are thought to be less prone to crime, in part because of the calming effect trees have on stress and fear. A walk amidst the trees is known to reduce mental fatigue after a hard workday.
Research reveals that having treed landscaping also results in increased business flow. Invest in appropriate landscaping and the trees will supplement your marketing strategy. Traffic also tends to slow on tree-lined streets, creating enough time for customers to notice shop windows. Trees provide natural screening for parking lots, unsightly dumpsters and storage sheds.
Patients with landscape views may even heal more quickly with the aid of tree enhanced surroundings. Tree treasures shield from ultra-violet rays and play an essential role in backyards, campuses and playgrounds where sun exposure is prolonged.
For the love of trees, care for those we have. Promptly remove failing, inappropriate, overgrown or invasive species. Then, sensibly replace these evergreen and deciduous jewels at every opportunity, as needed. To discover more benefits stemming from tree cultivation, look to isa-arbor.com.
Kristi Hendricks is a graduate of Shepherd College and West Virginia University and a Master Gardener with the Virginia Cooperative Extension. She can be reached at belowthejames@yahoo.com.