News

Trees benefit our communities, and us personally

Early fall is a best time to plant trees since this is the time of year when they are starting to withdraw nourishment from their leaves back down into root systems and, therefore, don't need as intensive watering as trees planted in the spring

Trees planted in spring dry out fast and also are stressed by strong sun during the summer.

Some folks are not going to jump on this tree planting idea because they can't get past the mental "yes, but" hurdle related to planting trees.

Yes, trees are nice, but they require too much work.

Indeed, newly planted trees do require diligent watering and also protection from rabbits (and deer, depending where you live). Don't waste money buying an expensive crab apple tree if you aren't willing to devote the required early work into its care.

A positive note, though, is that young trees require less watering and care after they are well established after maybe two years.

But then, over time, another "yes, but" might arise: now you have to rake the leaves. Or worse, now you also have to rake your neighbor's leaves out of your own yard.

It could be true, but let's focus however on the numerous, important health and community benefits of adding trees and shrubs to our properties. Research clearly demonstrates that more urban trees help decrease summer temperature, sometimes by several degrees, and also provide shady places for kids, pets and adults to enjoy.

Trees reduce noise pollution as research shows that this is true for even a single row of trees planted between a sidewalk and the street. Trees absorb greenhouse gases and potentially harmful air particulate from cars, fires and manufacturing facilities and absorb carbon dioxide from the air which contributes to reducing climate change. Leaf surfaces also trap and filter dust, pollution and pollen from the air, improving air quality.

Hopefully, we can all step back a bit to see the larger picture -- even if one needs to rake up some of their neighbor's leaves, they're willing to do so because they're part of a neighborhood where everyone willingly accept responsibility for some aspects of the community that benefits us all.

Adding trees to our properties offers other benefits as well. Trees improve property values (5-20%) because they soften landscapes and aesthetically improve a property.

From the larger citywide perspective, trees improve storm water management since tree roots and leaves absorb water, resulting in less run off into the storm sewers and subsequently into waterways.

Finally, trees provide an incredible number of benefits for bugs, animals, birds and/or reptiles. One large oak tree can support over 500 species.

I grew up on Third Street in Faxon where I was able to play every day under a huge apple tree. I will never forget the blossom perfume in spring or the ground covered in white petals as the blossoms began their transformation into apples, or the cool shade provided to us kids every day. And, of course, we learned to climb trees.

Trees are precious and invaluable. Tune in next month for ideas about which trees thrive best in limited yards or on larger properties.