This post is in a way a continuation of my previous blog post, Nature in the Landscape. However, this particular post will focus on the benefits of trees in the landscape, where the previous focused on all nature in the landscape. Both are equally important and both share many similarities.
Trees add an important component to any landscape. From the decorative, flowering, and ornamental trees such redbuds, lilacs, dogwoods, and weeping cherries just to name just a few; to fruit bearing trees for an edible landscape; to larger trees that provide a canopy of shade.
Trees provide many benefits for both a home's curb appeal and for nature. We all know trees provide oxygen; this process of photosynthesis pulls in carbon dioxide and releases oxygen. Trees also help purify the air we breathe by absorbing air pollutants, but also filter water through their roots, which is carried up the tree's trunk all the way to the leaves where it is slowly released back into streams and rives. Trees also provide habitat for birds and other wildlife as well as serving many other important components to the ecosystem.
Trees on a property can greatly increase curb appeal and a home's resale value. Trees also provide many other benefits to homeowners. Trees can provide shade on the property making the home and lawn cooler on hot summer days. Trees can also provide a sense of protection; research has been shown that trees in a neighborhood can reduce crime. Trees help create a much safer and more sociable environment. According to treehugger.com, "Research also shows urban trees are correlated with lower crime rates, including things from graffiti, vandalism and littering to domestic violence" (McLendon, R. 2020).
Research suggests that being around trees is also good for our mental health. Looking at trees and having trees on our property can reduces stress, lower blood pressure and improve mood. According to the journal Landscape and Urban Planning "Growing evidence suggests an association between access to urban greenspace and mental health and wellbeing" (Taylor, M. et al., 2014). In the article the authors conduct a study to find a link between anti-depressants prescribed in correlation with the density of street trees. The findings suggests that the number of prescriptions decreased as the number of trees increased. The study suggests that street trees may be a positive urban asset to decrease the risk of negative mental health outcomes.
I recently watched two really good documentaries about trees. In the first documentary, Call Of The Forest – The Forgotten Wisdom Of Trees scientist, Diana Beresford-Kroeger investigates both the biological and the spiritual connection to trees; specifically forest trees. The film suggests that we actually do have a profound biological and spiritual connection to trees and that they play a vital role in sustaining all life. As I stated above trees provide life-giving oxygen; in the documentary it is said that without trees our living breathable atmosphere would cease to exist. In the film there is an important message for global reforestation; however, as individuals we can also do our part by simply planting trees in own yards and neighborhoods.
In the second documentary, Intelligent Trees it is suggested that trees are individual beings that have feelings, know friendship, have a common language, and look after each other. The documentary explores trees by looking at their root systems. The documentary shows how the roots of different trees intertwin and link together in a massive network underground. The film states that trees communicate with one another and form friendships and family bonds through microorganisms in the soil. The film suggests trees are not solitary beings, therefore needing a community of other trees to survive.
When planning a landscape project be sure to incorporate many different trees into the design. Trees can soften a landscape and reduce some the hard edges. Not only do trees look nice on the property, but they add value to our homes and to our lives. Trees bring us together and provide us with so much more than we can imagine.
With just a shovel and a seed we can change the world.