Looking for a tree in the ground and the green grass grew all around and around…select the perfect tree species for its beautiful spring flowers or majestic crimson fall color, perhaps there is one more component of tree selection to consider. Large TreesBesides their aesthetic qualities, trees provide a multitude of environmental qualities that can improve and enhance our landscapes. Everyone knows trees are good, but their environmental qualities can do everything from improve the air we breathe to provide energy savings.

Tree placement around a building can greatly reduce energy consumption on heating and cooling systems. Deciduous trees planted around the house will shade the house from summer sun, reducing the sun’s radiation effect and taxing air conditioners less. Likewise, deciduous trees with their bare branches will not obstruct solar gain in a building in winter time to help homes stay warm and furnaces run less. Evergreens can also contribute to energy savings by slowing down winds and reducing heat loss.

trees and smogTrees contribute to improved air quality in their ability to sequester carbon. In the process of photosynthesis, trees filter out particulates and other toxins as they release oxygen back into the environment. In this regard, trees and other landscape plants can go a long way in improving air quality and making the air around us better. This is especially beneficial in our urban landscapes where, due to population density, air quality can be an even greater concern.

Trees help reduce soil erosion in and around our landscapes. Tree canopies help slow down and divert water droplets in torrential downpours that would otherwise wash away soil. Meanwhile, tree roots hold large quantities of soil by anchoring everything in place. The urban forest helps protect soil fertility by generating plant debris that breaks down and becomes organic matter, contributing to nutrient cycling and plant and animal biodiversity.

Trees also improve water quality. As water passes over and through the root zone of trees, it also carries with it sediments and impurities from the environment. Trees help to filter and slow down these contaminants before they are able to travel into waterways and a carried into the ecosystem. Also, trees can absorb copious amounts of water putting less stress on storm sewers and city infrastructure in a rain event.Wildlife pic

Trees around the landscape attract wildlife. This helps to create a refuge for birds and other animals and contributes to a richness in biodiversity. Maintaining this biodiversity is especially important in the urban environment.

Although trees are often selected for their aesthetic qualities, there are a host of reasons to continue to add trees to the urban landscape as there environmental and economic benefits are almost limitless.