Trees play a significant role in our environment. This message has been highly touted by environmental activist groups for more than a decade now, and its popularity continues to grow, as does the group of those who ascribe to its valuable message. But trees need not only be a rural treasure. There are significant benefits to incorporating a notable tree population into urban areas, too. For this reason, many homeowners, community businesses, and municipalities set aside a portion of their annual budget to create and maintain landscaping. And as this practice has grown, benefits of doing so have been studied and brought to light.
From a practical standpoint, landscaping trees benefit the average homeowner in several ways. Trees planted on the eastern and western sides of homes shade and cool during the summer and provide a windbreak, keeping the home warm during the winter. This may reduce a homeowner’s heating and cooling bill substantially. Appropriately placed landscaping trees are an excellent means of climate control on private property. Given ample space, homeowners may choose to grow their own organic food by planting fruit-bearing trees or shrubs. And should they choose to sell their home at some point, a homeowner may find that well-planted, well-kept landscaping trees may increase the overall value of the property by as much as 15%.
Within local communities, the benefits continue. For instance, landscaping trees aligning concrete provide a cooling effect by reducing the amount of heat able to be absorbed by the concrete, as well as other infrastructure. This is known as the “heat island effect,” and it can be significantly reduced by environmentally-sound measures which municipalities can easily accommodate in their budgets. In addition to cooling the community at large, trees that align public sidewalks and other paved surfaces provide a layer of protection against the elements that may extend the life of the paved surface. The less money needed for this manner of upkeep means more availability of funds for other projects or needs, or the conservation of taxpayer dollars. Like those planted on personal property, strategically planted landscaping trees also provide a measure of climate control for community businesses, organizations, or local government buildings. They also provide privacy and reduce glare.
When it’s time to prune, however, contact an Austin tree trimming professional to help protect the investment made in community landscaping. Perhaps most interesting, research shows that roadways aligned by trees promote safety because of the perception by drivers of narrower roads. This is true, too, of closely-spaced trees aligning roadways, which cause drivers to perceive excessive speed and, therefore, slow down. Trees also promote safety by creating a barrier between drivers and pedestrians.
Environmental benefits of landscaping trees within urban and suburban areas include a natural reduction of carbon dioxide, as well as absorption of other environmental pollutants. Trees reduce erosion, as well as control flooding by breaking rainfall and water drainage paths. Flowering trees provide food for wildlife. And noise pollution is lessened by landscaping trees.
Studies indicate that sociological benefits of landscaping trees in urban and suburban areas include creating a feeling of relaxation for onlookers, while other studies show that patients in hospital rooms whose view includes trees typically recover faster than patients whose rooms do not include such scenery.
If the unfortunate need to have a tree removed ever arises, an Austin tree removal specialist can certainly assist. However, there are numerous reasons to plant and maintain as many trees as are possible and compatible within any given populated, urban area. The benefits are quite expansive and rewarding.
About the Author: Andrew Johnson is the owner of Central Texas Tree Care, a leading provider of Austin tree services in Central Texas. Certified ISA Austin arborist services including: tree trimming, tree removal, tree care and stump removal. For more information on Austin tree service please visit https://centraltexastr.wpengine.com.
