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Big Tree Care
Whether planted by yourself or a family member or inherited upon purchasing a new home or piece of land, mature trees are a beautiful part of any landscape. However, caring for trees in a specific, thoughtful way is required in order for their natural beauty and environmental benefits to truly thrive. In this article, you will learn about three big benefits of large trees, as well as how best to take care of them as recommended by tree experts.
1. Environmental Benefits
Trees do amazing things for our environment. You probably know that by absorbing carbon dioxide (CO2) and releasing oxygen (O2), trees help clean the air we breathe every day. But carbon dioxide isn’t all that trees absorb. They can also take in toxins and pollutants, such as carbon monoxide (CO), ozone (O3), sulfur dioxide (SO2), and particulates. This has a big impact on air quality—more trees can mean cleaner air and less pollution. In the US alone, trees remove approximately 1 million tons of carbon dioxide every year.
In addition to improving air quality, trees also block the effects of a variety of different weather factors, such as rain, wind, and sunlight. Blocking sunlight creates shade, which reduces the temperature. Neighborhoods with lush tree canopies experience temperatures that are 6 to 8 degrees cooler in summer months than in neighborhoods that don’t have trees. In winter months, compact leaves and branches break up heavy winds, reducing heating costs by up to 15%. Trees can also reduce or prevent flooding and runoff. Trees capture rainwater and slow rainfall, and the soil conditions around trees cause increased absorption of rainwater into the soil, where it is absorbed and filtered by tree roots.
2. Economic Benefits
Trees are not only good for the environment’s health but for your wallet’s health, too. Beautiful trees raise the value of homes and entire neighborhoods. For example, homes with trees can be worth up to 15% more than their treeless counterparts. In addition, homes with trees tend to sell more quickly, and homes on tree-lined streets can sell for up to 25% more than homes where trees are scarce.
Some of the environmental benefits mentioned above can also translate into economic perks. For example, homes that are heavily shaded by trees report lower heating costs, as leaves and branches block heavy wind, as well as lower cooling costs by up to 15%, as tree canopies block direct sunlight. In addition, studies have shown that in one year, a single tree recycles over $35,000 worth of water and provides over $60,000 worth of air pollution control.
3. Public Health Benefits
In urban areas, trees provide a wide variety of public health benefits, both directly and indirectly. Urban areas tend to have increased pollution, which can cause higher rates of illness, especially in underserved cities. As mentioned above, trees can help reduce pollution by absorbing particulates from pollution.
Beyond the direct environmental benefits, many studies show a correlation between the presence of trees and the public’s overall well-being. For example, the presence of community forests is correlated to the average amount of exercise residents participate in, which leads to overall better health in the community. In addition, because of the natural air filtration that trees provide, urban communities with more trees have seen lower numbers of asthma cases.
CARING FOR MATURE TREES
Now that you’ve learned more about why trees are amazing for our environments, wallets, and communities, it’s vital that you know how to take care of the mature trees on your property. First and foremost, it is important to recognize that new trees and mature trees require different types of care. Trees of any age require disease protection, ample water, and regular pruning; however, caring for trees beyond the basics requires a knowledge of the tree’s age. If you are unsure of your trees’ age, and therefore not sure how to care for them, we recommend reaching out to a tree service company who will be able to help you age your trees.
Mature trees are more sensitive to conditions and require special care. First, make sure that your trees are pruned regularly and properly. Dead and diseased wood must be removed, as well as excessive weight. It is important to remove excess weight from the end of the branches, rather than taking weight directly off the top, or “topping.” You should always consult a company that specializes in tree services if you are unsure of whether you should prune or remove dead wood from your trees, and we highly recommend working with an arborist in order to make sure your trees are pruned in a way that is safe for both you and your trees.
Similarly, the proper amount of water is vital for your trees. If you live in a dry region and/or are not receiving soaking rain at least monthly, tree experts recommend monthly deep watering to ensure your trees are getting enough water.
Finally, keep an eye out for any pests or diseases that could harm your trees. The most common tree pests in North America include beetles, moths, and borers, while the most common diseases vary by region and climate. Ensuring that your trees are otherwise healthy by following the above steps will help minimize the possibility of pests or diseases hurting your trees.
Improper care for a mature tree can lead to a decline in health. If old trees are damaged, they will regrow much more slowly than younger trees and will be more vulnerable to pests and disease. Symptoms of a decline in your tree’s health include discoloration of the leaves, weakening or breaking of the branches, and development of visible fungi. If you see any of these symptoms, work with an arborist to figure out the best course of action.
In conclusion, following the above best practices and regularly consulting with a tree services company can help you make sure your trees thrive, making for a more beautiful and healthy environment for you and your community.
Pine Tree Care and Maintenance
The pine tree is the most common coniferous tree around the word. With over 100 different species, these sun-loving trees form some of the most amazing forests throughout the Northern Hemisphere – allowing the sunlight to reach for the forest floor as it nourishes these evergreens year after year. Here are several key benefits of adding pine trees to your own landscaping plan:
A Possible Source of Additional Income
One significant benefit that many homeowners focused on their landscaping may not know is that pine trees present a potential source of additional income for the household. This is due to the in-demand pine needles that regularly grow from these coniferous trees year after year. You could sell these pine needles to gardeners or even mulch yards to generate a simple supplemental income with minimal difficulty. This is more of a long-term investment option since studies show that a mature pine tree must at least be 8 years old before the pine needles can be harvested for a substantial amount of money. However, studies show that a single acre of these trees could annually yield more than $1,000 worth of pine straw – a rate of return that makes it worth the wait.
The Value of Soil Erosion Control
Soil erosion control has become a major area of concern for landscapers, arborists and scientists. The nature and structure of most pine trees allows them to tolerate a variety of soil conditions – including drought, cold temperatures and the long-term effects of direct sunlight. The roots of a pine tree effectively hold the soil in replace regardless of environmental conditions – allowing its numerous layers of growing pine needles to soften the blow of rain during inclement weather. This spreading root system and expedited growth rates makes pine trees a suitable option for steep slopes and areas that have experienced severe erosion.
A Potential Deterrent of Global Warming
Recent studies have proven that there may be a scientific link that connects the growth of healthy pine trees to the deterrence of global warming. Pine trees release aromatic compounds that convert into aerosol particles – particles that turn into cloud droplets as they rise over the trees into the air. Scientists have concluded that these particular may create a cooling effect that can potentially limit the effects of global warming, adding yet another environmental benefit of pine trees to the list.
Common Pine Tree Problems
As is the case with any type of tree, there are advantages and disadvantages as well that comes a as part of this overall landscaping package. Below is a list of some of the common problems experienced by pine tree owners and arborists:
- Upper Tree Branches Die-Back: The tree may not get enough water, oxygen or space for its roots to grow – especially if the ground near its base is covered with asphalt or there is a significant amount of nearby traffic. Fortunately, a professional tree service company can add a surrounding barrier or help to create a path that drives traffic away from the base of your tree.
- Excessive Sap: Another problem experienced when caring for trees of this nature is oozing an excessive amount of sap. Sap will naturally drip in small amounts over time since it spreads nutrients and water to various parts of the tree. This could possibly be caused by bacterial cankers, fungal gross or even damage caused by insects.
- Dead or Damaged Branches: If you notice that the branches of the pine tree are diseased, damaged or even already dead, this is a major problem. Fortunately, it is also a common problem resolved by professional tree service teams as well. An immediate and thorough pruning is essential – making sure that the healthy branches are the only ones that remain. The primary objective should be to retain the natural shape of the tree and avoid removing any of the branches that are flush with the actual trunk. Doing so could cause detrimental damage to the bark.
A Package of Benefits for Landscapers
As outlined above, there is a host of benefits experienced by landscapers, homeowners and arborists that invest in the growth and maintenance of healthy pine trees. However, there are also common problems experienced year after year that need to be addressed with a sense of urgency. It is vital to know what signs to look for when these conditions arise and act fast by investing in the expertise of professional tree service specialists when they do. This type of investment can preserve the beauty, health and benefits of your pine trees for many years – adding value to your land and helping to preserve the environment.