Why we need trees
Benefits of Trees
Have you ever imagined what the world would be like without trees? The benefits of trees extend beyond their beauty. Trees planted today will offer social, environmental and economic benefits for years to come.
Social Benefits
Social benefits of trees go beyond enjoying their beauty. Humans feel a calming effect from being near trees. The serenity we feel can significantly reduce stress, fatigue and even decrease recovery time from surgery and illness. Green spaces may also help lower the level of crime within urban environments.
Communal Benefits
With proper selection and maintenance trees on private property can provide as many benefits to the community as trees in public spaces. Trees provide privacy, accentuate views, reduce noise and glare and even enhance architecture. Natural elements and wildlife are brought into the urban environment by the presence of trees, which increases the quality of life for residents within the community.
Environmental Benefits
Trees alter the environment we live in by moderating climate, improving air quality, reducing stormwater runoff and providing habitats for wildlife.
Examples of the environmental benefits of trees:
- Trees moderate high temperatures by shading areas, cooling and moderating heat radiated from urban buildings, structures and surfaces.
- Dense or layered foliage may serve as a windbreak, as well as provide protection from rainfall.
- Leaves and bark capture and contain dust from the atmosphere.
- Leaves filter the air we breathe, removing airborne particulates whilst releasing oxygen.
Economic Benefits
The economic benefits of trees are both direct and indirect. Property values of landscaped homes are typically higher than those of non-landscaped homes based on the species, size, condition and location of the trees included in the landscape. Trees also provide shade which can lower cooling costs for your home in summer and reduce heating costs in winter by acting as a windbreak.
An arborist can help you determine the value of trees by providing an appraisal. Documentation on the value of trees in your landscape can assist with determining property value, as well as help with insurance claims in the event of a loss.
Learn more about the value of trees
Maximising the Benefits of Trees
Trees provide numerous benefits but, in order to maximise those benefits, routine maintenance is required. Though benefits begin the moment a young tree is planted they are minimal compared to the benefits of a mature tree. The costs associated with removing a large tree and planting a young tree can outweigh the costs of regular tree maintenance practices such as tree inspection, pruning and mulching.
Learn more about mature tree care
