How Do Trees Contribute To Environmental Health?
Trees And Environmental Health
Like many natural parts of our local environment planting trees can bring significant value. Trees provide shelter and shade blocking out the harsh heat that is a result of direct sunlight exposure. As a supporter of their surroundings, trees help wildlife, foliage, vegetation, and even microbes thrive. Together all of these parts of nature work together to create a sustainable habitat. Trees reduce carbon dioxide in the air through photosynthesis and release oxygen. This process reduces carbon dioxide for our local environment, but trees also work together to collectively create a healthier planet. Trees contribute in many ways to help maintain the health of our local ecosystem.
How Street Trees Reduce The Urban Heat Index Effect
One of the most immediate and noticeable impacts that trees have on their local environment is the shade they provide. Concrete pavement absorbs a significant amount of heat when exposed to sunlight, increasing the surrounding area’s temperature. This is especially prevalent in urban neighborhoods where concrete is abundant and surrounds every home. The Urban Heat Index Effect increases the temperature and impacts everything from the nearby plant life to the indoor temperature of buildings. While this may seem like a small benefit, the impact that shade has on the temperature of a home makes such a difference that you will notice a decrease in your utility bill. Planting trees along the street, in your yard, and near your home shields vegetation from the scorching sun during the warmest months of the year. The effect of tree shade not only protects the vegetation and grass but also creates a hospitable habitat for wildlife. Trees help the environment as a whole by reducing carbon dioxide in the air, but by reducing the Urban Heat Index it reduces utility bills too.
A Natural Habitat for Wildlife
Large trees offer food and shelter for local wildlife from the top of its canopy to its underground roots. A diverse ecosystem is a strong ecosystem that enormously benefits plants, animals, microbes, and more. Large tree canopies provide a safer environment and allow plant life to thrive. Trees provide for nature around them, and in turn, nutrients are deposited back into the ground. Everything from the roots of trees to their fallen leaves plays an active role in nutrient cycling. Trees provide food for many birds and other critters in the surrounding area. These animals create a diverse habitat, and some even help clean up decaying plants and animals. All of these different facets of a local environment work together to maintain the health of the habitat. In urban areas the environment isn’t always welcoming and many aspects of nature must adapt. As the local ecosystem works together every aspect becomes stronger. Environmental health stimulates your flowers to bloom, and your gardens to flourish, and bring unique wildlife to the area. Trees protect the environment around them to create an environment that allows the local ecosystem to thrive.
How Trees Impact Groundwater
When we think about how trees benefit the environmental health groundwater is not usually mentioned. The roots of trees have a big impact on how groundwater moves, how it is stored, and the impact it has on soil. Firstly, the roots of trees act as a form of structural support for the soil. Roots grow in every direction from the trunk outwards and weave throughout the ground. By holding any loose soil together the ground under a tree becomes more stable. When the soil isn’t stable erosion can take place from water carrying away soil and rock. Tree leaves and roots help reduce the potential negative side effects of rainfall. The canopy of leaves protects the ground below by intercepting water. Water collects on every surface of the tree and will evaporate, reducing the water the ground must absorb. Roots continuously soak up water making it easier for the ground to manage rainfall and reduce water runoff. All of these effects keep the soil healthier and more nutrient dense making it a better habitat for you and the environment. Trees in your yard reduce the likelihood of flooding by managing rainfall and runoff.
Additional Benefits Trees Provide for Homeowners
Trees offer protection from the elements in many forms. Trees block harsh winds and debris that may be in the air during storms and also provide shade to your yard, vehicles, or home. The shade a tree provides for a house in many cases will dramatically reduce the heat absorbed by your roof. This effect reduces the inconsistent temperatures throughout a house and will reduce your utility bill.
The pavement of your sidewalk and driveway will also be much cooler if under the shade of a tree. Concrete absorbs heat and retains it for a long time slowly radiating heat for hours. In more dense urban areas heated concrete causes the temperature to remain hot even after the sun has set. With trees shading the pavement heat rays from the sun will never reach the ground.
The leaves of trees reduce noise pollution in urban environments. The texture and density of tree bark will absorb the energy from a sound wave making for a quieter environment for homeowners.
A unique benefit of having trees on your property is their ability to create a more peaceful and enjoyable environment. It is widely accepted that spending time around trees, walking through forests, and creating more green spaces all have a positive impact on our mental health. Trees create an environment that is relaxing and stress-reducing.
Planting Trees
There is no better time than now to plan for the future of your trees! If you have existing trees and want them to live a long and healthy life we can provide inspections, maintenance, soil tests, and more. If you are looking to add trees to your property we are happy to consult and get your planting scheduled.
Urban Forest Management
We have provided our urban forest managing services for over two decades. As brothers, we share a passion for creating a sustainable environment that allows trees and other plants to thrive. From tree removal to tree planting, we take a sustainable approach to our tree care. We make the health of trees a priority and do our best to never compromise their well-being. Whether you’re looking for tree maintenance, a tree doctor, stump removal, or even commercial landscaping services reach out to us today! Contact Joseph Tree to get an estimate for your tree services.