The Value of Trees

From the perspective of a central Virginia homeowner, I'd hope the fall of 2011 would remain a once in a life time experience. Although familiar with environmental havoc created by storms, when the force of storm Irene quit, Greater Richmond Area residents were greeted with litter of fallen trees; in fact, more than 70% of the area experienced utility outages. So, when a recent un-named storm left 75% of the county in which I reside, Henrico with utility outages and fallen trees, it was woefully  familiar.

 

Still, as my ‘dig in the dirt’ colleague Luke McCall, an arborist with the City of Richmond says, “Too often, trees are taken for granted or simply considered disposable to our modern lives. If the value of trees is not shared with the public, there will be no demand to preserve for the present and provide for the future.”

 

 As a result, research shared by Virginia Tech indicates one tree can remove 26 pounds of carbon dioxide from the atmosphere annually, equaling 11,000 miles of car emissions. Urban forests are recognized to reduce urban air temperatures significantly by shading heat sinks such as buildings and concrete; and returning humidity to the air through evaporative cooling. Properly placed deciduous trees reduce house temperatures in the summer, allowing air conditioning units to run 2 to 4 percent more efficiently, but allow the sun to warm the house in the winter. Homes sheltered by evergreen windbreaks reduce winter heat loss and are generally warmer than homes without such protection. By using trees to modify temperatures and protect against wind, the amount of fossil fuels used for cooling and heating is reduced.

Urban trees are also recognized to provide economic benefits to communities. They improve water quality, mitigate storm-water runoff, conserve energy, lower air temperatures, reduce air pollution, and enhance property values. The total compensatory value of urban forests in the continental United States is estimated at $2.4 trillion, according to the U.S. Forest Service. But this resource is ongoing threatened by urban development as well as environmental havoc created by shifts in climate change.

Urban arborist such as my colleague Luke or a Certified Horticulturist professional at your local nursery/garden center can help select a tree that is not only right for your needs but grown to industry standards. For, trees, grown to established nursery standards, are more resistant to disease and pests, and do provide the best return on your investment. So, familiarize your self with planting options; visit for example, the Virginia Department of Forestry web site .

While you may tend to react to the havoc – litter of fallen trees – created by a tropical storm with fear, understand a better choice is to plant and maintain an urban canopy of trees. “Truly, our greatest responsibility as citizens and natural resource professionals,” says Luke “is our obligation to provide future generations with a world greener and cleaner than we found it. Planting a tree is one the best ways to accomplish that goal.”

As gardeners, we not only have the opportunity to make a difference through personal choices but influence others through our use of green space, both rural and urban. For additional eco tips and strategies, visit web site www.TheWrightScoop.com.