10 More Reasons to Add Trees to Your Yard
By Nancy Penrose
Here are 10 more reasons to add trees to your yard.
Trees Improve City Climate: Trees play a crucial role in mitigating the “heat island” effect in urban areas, counteracting the elevated temperatures caused by thermal energy stored in materials like concrete, asphalt and steel. These heat islands can be 3 to 10 degrees warmer than the surrounding countryside. The cumulative impact of a substantial tree cover helps reduce air temperatures by offering shade and enhancing humidity through moisture evaporation in dry climates.
Trees Improve the Air We Breathe: Trees play a vital role in purifying the air by absorbing carbon dioxide and filtering out pollutants such as ozone. They not only produce life-sustaining oxygen but also can alleviate asthma symptoms. According to a 2014 USDA Forest Service research study, the positive impact of trees on air quality prevents over 850 deaths and more than 670,000 cases of acute respiratory symptoms each year.
Versatile Landscape Elements: Trees serve as integral components of the landscape, forming the structural basis for outdoor spaces. They can frame scenic views, act as focal points, define boundaries, offer privacy screens, and create outdoor rooms.
Wildlife Habitat: Trees function as habitats for various birds, mammals, and insects, providing shelter, nesting sites, food, perches, and residences.
Social and Emotional Value: Beyond their environmental contributions, trees establish a connection between people and nature, fostering a sense of well-being. They often become gathering spaces for social events like picnics, while children are captivated by the allure of climbing trees and rope swings.
Economic Stability Boost: The presence and condition of a community’s trees significantly influence the first impression for visitors. Studies indicate that trees contribute to economic stability by attracting businesses and tourists. Tree-lined streets encourage people to linger and shop for longer durations. Properties in wooded areas, whether apartments or offices, experience faster rentals, higher occupancy rates, and longer tenant retention. Workspaces surrounded by trees experience increased productivity and reduced absenteeism.
Biodiversity Support: Trees and plants form local ecosystems that offer habitat and sustenance for birds, animals, and other plants. They create microclimates that enable the growth of plant species not typically found in urban areas, contributing to overall biodiversity.
Benefits for Lawns and Plants: Tree shade slows water evaporation in lawns, providing shelter from intense sunlight and reducing water costs. This not only promotes a healthier lawn but also supports water conservation.
Shelter and Privacy: Tall trees not only offer aesthetic shade for yards but also act as natural shields against harsh winds. They create canopies and habitats for wildlife while providing privacy from neighboring properties.
Soil Health: Trees play a crucial role in preventing soil erosion by stabilizing soil on hillsides and near water bodies. Their leaves offer protection during heavy rains, encouraging water retention in the soil. Combining these benefits with proper watering practices enhances overall soil health.
Contact Big Trees Inc. at 360-563-2700 to find out which trees would make the best addition to your landscape.
Nancy Penrose is the owner of Big Trees Inc., located in Snohomish, WA in the Seattle area. The company is one of the largest tree nurseries in the Seattle area with over 120,000 trees available in over 300 varieties. They not only deliver young trees, but also mature trees in a wide range of sizes. Some types of trees available include spring flowering, deciduous, evergreen, and privacy trees. The company also does tree transplanting including large trees. Their blog can be seen at https://bigtreesupply.com/blog/ or http://arboristblog.com/. They can be reached at 360-563-2700.