We often take many important things for granted, especially things that we assume will always be there because we’ve never known life without them, like trees, the longest living species on the planet. The importance of trees and the vital role they play in our survival can’t be understated as they give us oxygen and capture carbon, stabilise the soil and prevent erosion, and provide food for a myriad of wildlife as well as ourselves. Here’s a quick look at those benefits in greater detail.
- The process of photosynthesis involves trees absorbing carbon dioxide and converting it into oxygen. An acre of forest produces about four tonnes of oxygen while absorbing roughly six tonnes of carbon dioxide.
- Without trees and their roots which reach far beneath the surface, soil wouldn’t be stable and it would be at constant risk of erosion, especially when it rains. This also has the effect of reducing sediment deposits and runoff.
- In addition to the bats, bees and birds which rely on the nectar from flowers for survival, many animals derive their nutritional requirements from trees. Also, we as humans with our sustenance needs are reliant on trees, predominantly fruit trees, for a wide range of foods.
There’s a lot that we have to thank trees for because life as we know it simply wouldn’t be possible without trees and the benefits that they deliver. With that in mind, do you take trees for granted?
How Often Do You Think About Trees?
Considering just how much trees provide us with, from absorbing pollutants in the air to slowing the rate of global warming, it’s remarkable how little most of us think about them. So, do we take trees for granted? For most of us it would seem that the answer is yes, but that doesn’t mean it’s too late to take an interest in trees and the many benefits that they provide. In addition to their benefits for everyone across the globe, here are three ways in which trees benefit you and your family at home.
- The natural shade that trees provide can lessen your need for air-conditioning, reducing your energy costs and saving you money. They also reduce the pollutants in the air inside and outside your home, which is good for your family’s health.
- The right trees in the right location can help to increase the value of your property by adding curb appeal. When searching for suitable residential properties, most homebuyers place a great deal of importance on trees, gardens and landscape design.
- Trees reduce water runoff that lessens flooding and limits soil erosion, plus if positioned near the home, they can also prevent damage caused by heavy rain or hail. However, trees located near buildings need to be cared for if they aren’t to cause damage to properties, with broken or damage branches removed by a qualified arborist (tree surgeon).
Additionally, trees (especially natives, which are the best choice when planting new trees) attract wildlife to residential gardens, adding beauty and flashes of colour, natural sounds and help children develop an appreciation of nature and the personal (and often spiritual) value that trees add to our daily lives. Trees give us so much in so many ways, so it’s important to appreciate them and the ways in which they better our lives and to never take them for granted.
Taking Care of Your Trees
For trees to look their best and not pose a safety hazard they need to be taken care of. The care required starts when trees are young and taking shape and it continues right through their adult life. To make the best choices about your trees and the care that they require, it’s a good idea to a) know the variety of trees at your home, b) develop an understanding of their requirements, and c) get to know the warning signs that indicate a tree isn’t healthy, has sustained damaged or needs to be treated for an infestation. When you know your trees, their needs and signs of damage or disease, you’ll be able to take the required action, like apply an anti-fungal product, or call an arborist.
When Trees Need Pruning
For many tree varieties, periodic pruning (usually seasonally) is required to keep them healthy and in good shape, as well as to:
- Reduce the height of the tree or remove branches that are an obstruction or may pose a risk
- Remove branches afflicted by disease or are damaged, often by heavy winds and storms
- Promote better air circulation and new growth by trimming and thinning the crown
Tree lopping is the process of pruning, maintaining and reshaping trees and unless the attention the tree requires is minor, for example, removing a small branch that’s been damaged in a storm, should be carried out by a qualified tree lopper.
There are several reasons for this. Firstly, the need for tree lopping must be determined on a case-by-case basis, so an assessment must first take place before pruning commences. Secondly, due to the dangers involved, professional expertise is required to make sure the work is carried out safely and efficiently, and thirdly, the right equipment and tools are required to do the job properly.
Having served the needs of property owners across Perth and surrounding areas since 1980, Tree Surgeons of WA have accumulated the insight and expertise to manage all aspects of tree lopping for customers. Starting by determining the appropriateness of the pruning work required, we’ll consider any species-specific requirements and carry out corrective/formative pruning while making sure no collateral damage to property occurs. We’ll also clean up and remove all tree materials afterwards!
For professional tree lopping and related arboricultural services across Perth, get in contact with the arborists at Tree Surgeons of WA. Whether it’s for safety reasons, to open the view from your property or enhance the aesthetics of your trees and keep them healthy and looking their best, we endeavour to provide you with a professional tree lopping service that’s second to none.
